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On the occasion of the month of mobilization against colorectal cancer, the National Cancer Institute is launching a new information campaign “Screening for colorectal cancer, from the age of 50, is every 2 years!”, to invite the French to get tested.
The National Cancer Institute (INCA) wanted to strike hard. While colorectal cancer affects more than 47,000 women and men each year in France and is the cause of 17,100 deaths, the organization wanted to broadcast a film which reminds us of the importance of screening.
“You do not have to do your screening on your birthday, but from the age of 50, do it every 2 years and before any symptoms.”
Here is how the INCA decided to approach the subject, in a light and non-alarmist tone, on the occasion of the protagonist’s 50th birthday.
In fact, you should not wait for the disease to appear before getting tested. Can be carried out at home, this test must be carried out every 2 years.
“In 96% of cases, no abnormality is detected by this test, which ensures that there is nothing. In 4% of cases, it makes it possible to detect precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer or to detect this cancer at an early stage and to cure it, in this case, 9 times out of 10.” confirmed the National Cancer Institute.
With this new campaign, the Institute is therefore calling on the French to take this decisive step and make this screening part of their health routine from the age of 50 – without symptoms or risk factors other than age.
An inspiring film that could save lives
You will have understood: screening is essential to treat patients in time.
“If the participation rate reached the objective of 65% set by the ten-year strategy to combat cancer, 5,700 colorectal cancers and 6,600 deaths could be avoided.“, assures the ARS Pays de La Loire.
So, how to obtain the famous test?
It is possible to :
- order it online at jefaismondepistage.e-cancer.fr to receive it directly at home. After answering a few questions, and in the absence of any particular risks, the order can be validated;
- ask your doctor (general practitioner, gastroenterologist, gynecologist and doctor at a health examination center under the general health insurance system) or your pharmacist. After a discussion on possible risk factors, the healthcare professional will ensure that the test is suitable for the patient before giving them the screening kit.