2024-10-28 09:10:00
In France, three cancers are currently the subject of organized screening, breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer – a 4th organized screening should appear in 2025, breast cancer screening. lung. For colorectal cancer screening, it is up to the person themselves to take the sample and send the test for analysis. A decisive act of prevention in the fight against this cancer, which is respectively the second and third most common cancer in women and men.
Who is colorectal cancer screening for?
The cancer colorectal is a relatively common cancer, with 47,582 new cases recorded in 2023. Organized screening for colorectal cancer is aimed at all people, regardless of their state of health, men and women, aged 50 to 74. People with risk factors for colorectal cancer (family history, inflammatory digestive diseases, etc.) benefit from specific gastroenterological monitoring before the age of 50.
To know! Each year, the month of March is dedicated to raising awareness and providing information on colorectal cancer screening, as part of Operation Mars Bleu. But screening takes place all year round, as soon as eligible people receive their invitation letter.
This screening is aimed to people aged over 50because age is an identified risk factor for colorectal cancer. The median age at diagnosis is 71 years for men and 72 years for women. Other risk factors are known, including lifestyle factors: alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
Read also – Blue March, month to promote colorectal cancer screening
How to get tested?
People eligible for colorectal cancer screening receive a letter directly to their home explaining the screening procedures. Screening is based on a stool collectionthen on a immunological analysis stool test which detects the presence of blood in the stool. No need to go to an analysis laboratory. To carry out the screening, you must obtain a kit, available in several ways, after completing a self-questionnaire:
This kit, completely free, includes instructions which explain how to collect stools, how to carry out the test and how to return it for analysis. A few days later, the person receives the test results. In 96% of cases, the test is negative and the person is reassured that there are no precancerous or cancerous lesions. In 4% of cases, the test is positive, blood was detected in the stools. The doctor then prescribes a colonoscopy to find the source of the bleeding.
Read also – Colorectal cancer screening: finally a solution!
Why get tested?
Getting tested, even when you are in good health, even in the absence of digestive signs, is essential. When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, it is cured in 90% of cases. The test is completely free, painless, without any risk, and is carried out at home. He is instrumental in making sure everything is going well. However, even though more than 2.5 million people are tested each year, only 34.2% of eligible people take the screening test. A figure well below public health objectives.
Thanks to therapeutic advances, the prognosis of colorectal cancer has improved in recent years, with a significant increase in net survival. But early detection plays a determining role in the prognosis of patients. Getting screened, even in the absence of suggestive signs, is an act of individual prevention which contributes to the collective fight against colorectal cancer, responsible for 17,000 deaths in France in 2021.
Read also – The prognosis of colorectal cancer impacted by diabetes!
Sources
– Panorama of cancers. National Cancer Institute. . www.e-cancer.fr. Accessed October 14, 2024.
– Colorectal cancer screening: screening kits delivered directly to your home. . sante.gouv.fr. Accessed October 14, 2024.
– Organized screening for colorectal cancer: a simple and painless test. . www.ameli.fr. Accessed October 14, 2024.
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**Interview: Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening in France**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss an important health initiative in France—organized screening for colorectal cancer. Could you start by sharing why colorectal cancer screening is vital for public health?
**Alex Reed:** Good morning! Absolutely. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in France, with over 47,000 new cases recorded in 2023 alone. Screening plays a crucial role in early detection, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Sadly, too many people are unaware that screening can be a life-saving measure; that’s why we emphasize the importance of these organized programs, especially for those aged 50 to 74.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the age range for screening. Why is it specifically for those aged 50 to 74?
**Alex Reed:** Age is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. The median age for diagnosis is 71 for men and 72 for women, meaning that many cases are diagnosed in those years. By targeting this age group, we aim to catch potential issues early, even before symptoms appear. It’s also important to note that individuals with specific risk factors, like family history or certain digestive diseases, should consult their doctors for earlier and more frequent screenings.
**Interviewer:** For individuals who receive an invitation for screening, can you explain how the process works?
**Alex Reed:** Of course. Eligible individuals will receive a letter at home explaining the screening process. The screening involves a stool collection test that detects blood in the stool. You don’t need to visit a laboratory; instead, you’ll receive a free kit that includes everything you need, from collection instructions to how to return the sample for analysis. Results typically come back within a few days.
**Interviewer:** What happens if the test detects blood in the stool?
**Alex Reed:** If the test is positive, meaning blood was detected, the individual will be advised to undergo a colonoscopy to identify the source of the bleeding. This is a critical next step since early detection of any abnormalities can lead to effective treatment.
**Interviewer:** Awareness is also a significant part of this initiative. Could you tell us about the awareness month in March?
**Alex Reed:** Yes! March is dedicated to raising awareness around colorectal cancer screening as part of “Mars Bleu.” It serves as a reminder for eligible individuals to get screened. However, screening itself occurs year-round, so it’s essential for those who receive invitations to act promptly regardless of the month.
**Interviewer:** what key message would you like to convey to our audience about colorectal cancer screening?
**Alex Reed:** I want to stress that even if you feel perfectly healthy, don’t overlook screening. It’s a straightforward way to potentially save your life. Early detection leads to better outcomes, so if you’re in the eligible age range, please take the initiative to participate in the screening. It’s free, it’s simple, and it could be crucial for your health.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights today. It’s vital information that everyone needs to hear!
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** What happens if the test detects blood in the stool?
**Alex Reed:** If the test comes back positive for blood in the stool, it’s crucial not to panic. This result does not automatically mean cancer. The next step is for the individual to see their doctor, who will likely prescribe a colonoscopy to investigate the source of the bleeding further.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for clarifying that. It sounds like early detection is key. Can you discuss the statistics regarding participation in this screening program?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Although over 2.5 million people in France are tested each year, the participation rate remains worryingly low at just 34.2% of eligible individuals. This is significantly below public health objectives and emphasizes the need for ongoing awareness campaigns to encourage more people to participate, even when they feel healthy.
**Interviewer:** With such a low participation rate, what can be done to improve it?
**Alex Reed:** Education is vital. We need to stress that this screening is completely free, quick, and painless. Public health campaigns, like Operation Mars Bleu in March, aim to raise awareness and make people understand that getting tested can be a life-saving decision. More outreach and community engagement can help demystify the process and encourage individuals to take action on their health.
**Interviewer:** That’s very important. Before we wrap up, can you share why individuals should get tested even in the absence of digestive symptoms?
**Alex Reed:** Definitely. Early detection is key to successful treatment. When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, the cure rate is as high as 90%. So, even if someone feels fine, participating in screening is an act of personal and public health—a proactive step in fighting a disease that accounts for many unnecessary deaths.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing this crucial information about colorectal cancer screening. It’s clear that awareness and participation are vital in combating this health issue.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me, and I hope more people will take the initiative to prioritize their health by participating in screenings.
