With over 43,000 new cases and more than 17,000 deaths each year, colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men and the 3rd in women by frequency. Detected at an early stage, 9 out of 10 colorectal cancers can be cured…
With the approach of Blue March – a month dedicated to raising awareness for the screening of colorectal cancers – the Cancer League is alerting about diagnosis delays. The organization also emphasizes the importance of screening, especially for colon cancer: simple and painless, the test can save lives!
“The prevention and detection of colorectal cancers is fully part of this public health issue. If we do not address it now, the consequences of these delays will manifest in the years to come, when it will be truly too late.” states Professor Axel Kahn, President of the Cancer League
Starting at 50: the need for screening to save lives!
All men and women aged 50 to 74 are invited every 2 years to carry out an immunological test at home, through a letter from Health Insurance. This test, simple and painless, is 100% covered by Health Insurance. Its benefit is twofold: by detecting lesions (polyps) early enough that may become cancerous, it allows for their treatment before they turn into cancer.
Before 50: prevention
Lifestyle also affects the risk of colorectal cancer. Overweight, a diet high in animal fats, alcohol and tobacco consumption, lack of physical activity, and high consumption of red meat are important risk factors. Type 2 diabetes and lack of sun exposure could also have an impact.
