It is one of the deadliest cancers in France, the 2nd with nearly 17,000 victims each year, and even the 1st in Hauts-de-France according to the Regional Health Agency. However, le cancer colorectal is very little detected, 35% of the target population, between 50 and 74 years old, do so every two years. Every March, “Blue March”awareness-raising operations to raise awareness of the disease and encourage screening are carried out.
“Detected in time, colorectal cancer is cured in 9 out of 10 cases. It can even be spotted at the stage of polypsbefore it becomes cancerous cells”, explains Dr. Jennifer Cobert. She is the person in charge in Somme for the Regional Center for the coordination of cancer screenings.
A subject “still a little taboo”
“There are several reasons that can explain this low participation in screening. Already people’s ignorance, lack of interest, the fact that it disgusts to touch the stool”says Dr. Cobert. “There are also difficulties in obtaining a test. Your doctor or a gastroenterologist can do this. Since March 1, it is now possible to order it directly onlineand the Health Insurance sends it to you at home”she said again.
This test is to be performed at home. He seeks to find traces of blood in the stool. “If it is negative, it means there is nothing and you are invited to do it again every two years. If not, it is because blood has been found and then it must be determined why. thanks to a colonoscopy. But that doesn’t mean it’s cancer, it can be polyps, for example.”finished Jennifer Cobert.