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Reading 2 mins.
in collaboration with
Dr. Yves Dour (Doctor in Pharmacy)
Medical validation:
February 27, 2023
On the occasion of Mars Bleu, La Ligue contre le cancer reminds us that a simple screening test can detect colorectal cancer early. But who can benefit from it? How to get the kit in pharmacy? The explanations of Dr. Dour, doctor of pharmacy.
With nearly 43,000 new cases and 17,000 deaths per year, colorectal cancer is the 3rd deadliest cancer. However, thanks to early detection,9 out of 10 cancers could be cured“, specifies the government. A vital test therefore, which would save lives.
The importance of screening
The League against cancer is formal on this subject: 6500 deaths could be avoided each year thanks to screening. And for good reason: colorectal cancer has the particularity of being very slow and silent (without apparent signs or symptoms). The evolution of the tumor into cancer can thus last about ten years.
That is why “The stool blood test has a key role in the prevention and screening of colorectal cancer“says the League.
In the absence of symptoms or risk areas, it is recommended to carry out this free and painless test every 2 years. Only people aged 50 to 74 are affected.
Another important detail: it is the Health Insurance which is responsible for sending the invitation to your home.
Recently, it is also possible to obtain this test in pharmacies.
Pharmacy screening: for whom?
“This test is intended for men and women under the age of 74 who are eligible for it. To qualify, they must not have had a recent colposcopy or CT scan. Then, a questionnaire, aimed at highlighting signs of colorectal cancer, is carried out. If the person has not answered the 15 questions negatively, the kit cannot be delivered”, explains Dr Dour, before adding “If only one of the items is not checked, the patient is invited to consult his doctor..”
When all the lights are green, the screening kit is then delivered to the patient.
This contains a tube, a sampling stick which will collect the stools and a stamped envelope.
“We show the patient how this test should be done at home, usually using a video or a demonstration guide. Most important ? Do not take the stool sample the day before a public holiday or a weekend: it must be sent and taken care of by the Post Office as soon as possible.”
After analysis, the test results are communicated to the patients.
Since 2022, the results can be consulted on the website www.resultat-depistage.fr.