Until March 31, 2024, Mars Bleu invites men and women between 50 and 74 years old to be screened for colon cancer.
Blue Mars is the perfect opportunity for people to 50 to 74 years old to make oneself screen for colorectal cancer, the 3rd most common cancer and the 2nd deadliest cancer in France, according to figures from the National Cancer Institute. A test is often taboo but it nevertheless saves lives! Each year, nearly 45,000 men and women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and nearly 18,000 people die. Detected early, colorectal cancer could be cured in 90% of cases. Since 2023, the procedures have been made easier and this screening test East available in pharmacies.
When does Blue Mars take place in 2024?
Organized from 2009 by the Ministry of Healththe National Cancer Institute (Inca) and Health Insurance, Mars Bleu is an annual meeting which takes place throughout the month of March. This is a colorectal cancer screening awareness month. “It is important to note that the different screening modalities aim not only to identify cancers at an early stage with a favorable prognosis, but also to detect precancerous lesions – polyps in particular – the removal of which helps prevent cancer. This shows the importance of participation in screening programs!”insists Dr Bruno Buecher, gastroenterologist and oncogeneticist at the Institut Curie.
Screening consists of an immunological test that does not prevent cancerbut which makes it possible to establish a early diagnosis, allowing treatment to be quickly put in place and improving the chances of recovery. From now on, no need to go through a consultation with the doctor. Eligible people who have received the screening invitation must go to the website www.monkit.depistagecolorectal.fr with the number appearing on the invitation letter. A questionnaire determines whether testing is appropriate based on the person’s personal and family history. If this is the case, the test will be sent to him or he will have to collect it from his doctor or from a pharmacy participating in the operation. The test is do at homeThen to send to the laboratory to be analyzed. Afterwards, consultation of the test result is done online via www.result-
What does the blue ribbon, symbol of colon cancer, mean?
Many diseases are symbolized by small colored ribbons. For example, the pink ribbon represents breast cancer. The red ribbon is the symbol of the fight against AIDS and HIV. The yellow ribbon is worn to support endometriosis and bone cancer. The blue ribbon on the other hand represents cancers colorectal and prostate cancers.
Which associations support Mars Bleu?
Many associations, institutes and foundations take action every year against colorectal cancer and propose initiatives as part of the “Mars Bleu” awareness campaign. Here is a non-exhaustive list of organizations that support the event:
- The League Against Cancer
- The National Cancer Institute (InCA)
- The ARC Foundation for Cancer Research
- The Gustave Roussy Institute
- The Health Insurance Association
- AMGEN and Rose Up
- Afa Crohn RCH France
- Acting against Cancer 26
- Federation of Private Hospitalization Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics…
How to participate in the Mars Bleu connected race challenge?
The Cancer Screening Center (CRCDC Sud Paca) offers every year a connected challenge throughout the month of March : achieve the most kilometers in favor of colorectal cancer screening whether on foot, running or cycling. Free registration on this site. The route is free in compliance with the “Eco-Responsible Charter for the connected runner” with their connected object (connected watch, mobile application). Donations are entirely donated to the CRCDC SUD PACA to improve the promotion of organized cancer screenings.