One in two Belgians is diagnosed with colon cancer at an advanced stage, according to figures published on Tuesday by the Cancer Registry. The survival rate drops to 15% for these late diagnoses, while at an early stage the chances of recovery are over 90%. Therefore, on the occasion of the international month of colon cancer, in March, the NGO “Stop Cancer Colon” encourages the population to take a free screening test offered by the government.
Free screening for anyone aged 50 to 74
One out of 20 Belgians (5%) will face colon cancer in their lifetime. In order to detect it as early as possible and thus avoid all the suffering associated with this disease, the government has set up, for ten years now, free screening for anyone aged 50 to 74 years. However, there is currently a lack of information on colorectal cancer and its screening. According to the latest figures from the NGO, only one in five French speakers and one in two Flemish took part in the screening test, while “colon cancer causes no less than 3,000 deaths per year in Belgium, i.e. nine per day”underlines the association.
The vast majority of these cancers are not hereditary
Moreover, contrary to the collective beliefs conveyed on the subject, the vast majority of colon cancers (80%) are not hereditary. The origin is very often multifactorial: “Smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or lack of physical exercise play a role in the onset of this disease”, analyzes Dr. Luc Colemont, director of “Stop Cancer Colon”.
“Do it, it’s literally child’s play”
“The test can detect colon cancer before you experience any symptoms. Patients who have not been screened feel a strong sense of regret when they learn they have this disease. But this kind of regret is avoidable. I can’t say it enough: if you get this free test in your mailbox, do it! It’s literally child’s play”insiste M. Colemont.
