Awareness of colorectal cancer will be in the spotlight in March. In France, it is responsible for 17,000 deaths per year. It is the third most common type of cancer, and the second in terms of mortality. Problem: only 32% of the people concerned - men and women aged 50 to 74 - are tested each year. Doctor Jimmy Mohamed explains, Tuesday in the show Without appointment on Europe 1, the interest of intensifying screening for this cancer.
5,700 early cases could be identified
In the Netherlands, the proportion reaches the European record of 70% screening, in Spain 65%. A similar rate in France would identify 5,700 early cases per year. The proposed test makes it possible to identify very early a tumor likely to degenerate. Colorectal cancer first develops on the lining of the colon and rectum from a benign tumor called a polyp. Non-cancerous, it can appear without symptoms. But can also remain and turn into cancer after ten years.
>> Find the whole of Sans rendez-vous in replay and podcast here
A free test to do at home
The screening test is very simple and can be done at home. It is 100% covered by Health Insurance. There is even no need to advance fees, since the kit is given by an attending physician. It is done by a stool sample. Using a small stick, the sample is transferred to an airtight container. Then simply send it to the lab with its identification sheet, in a pre-stamped envelope. It is recommended to perform this test every two years from the age of 50.
The idea of screening is to spot cancer at an early stage, to treat it as soon as possible. In this case, it can be cured in 9 out of 10 cases. The longer we wait, the more cumbersome and binding the treatment will be. For people with a family history or with risk factors, it is however recommended to go directly to the colonoscopy.