What is colorectal cancer?
It's a cancer that develops in the colon and rectum from polyps.
A polyp is a benign tumor that develops on the mucous membranes.
Colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early.
Key figures for colorectal cancer in France:
> 47,582 new cases in 2023 (26,212 men and 21,370 women)
> 17,000 deaths per year
It is the second leading cause of cancer mortality.
Colorectal cancer screening
Why screen for it?
Screening makes it possible to :
- Spot a polyp before it develops into cancer.
- Detect cancer at an early stage, to increase the chances of recovery.
Does this concern me?
Screening is performed every 2 years for men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 who do not have:
- no personal or family history likely to predispose them to this cancer,
- no symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer:
- Visible blood in the stool;
- Abdominal pain ;
- Unusual and persistent digestive disorders: diarrhea or constipation;
- Anemia.
Is this screening free?
Screening is covered at 100% by the Assurance Maladie, with no advance payment required.
How does it work?
Screening consists of an at-home test to detect the presence of blood in your stools, which is not visible to the naked eye.
With the screening kit, you take a sample of your stool in a very hygienic way. The test is painless, simple and fast.
In practice...
1/ As soon as you turn 50, your local screening coordination center will send you a letter inviting you to undergo screening.
2/ Get the screening kit:
- from your GP, who will explain how to use it.
- Or order from monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr, using the invitation number on your invitation letter. Your answers to the questionnaire will determine whether the test is appropriate for your personal and family history. If so, the test will be sent to you.
3/ Perform your test at home.
Need help? Watch this video:
4/ Once the stool sample has been taken, send it by post, using the pre-stamped envelope provided, for analysis.
5/ Results are available within 15 days of test dispatch.
- You receive them at your home,
- or you can consult them on the Internet by registering at www.resultat-depistage.fr
Your GP and the screening coordination center will also receive your results.
In 96% of cases, the test reveals nothing abnormal and should be repeated 2 years later.
In 4% of cases, the test detects blood in your stools. This does not mean you have cancer. Your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. In more than half the cases, despite the presence of blood, the colonoscopy reveals no abnormality.
Answers to your questions
Before the age of 50 and after the age of 74, is there any screening?
You are not concerned by the Blue March screening kit (blood in stools).
Regardless of age, if one or more of the following intestinal signs occur:
- Visible blood in the stool;
- Abdominal pain ;
- Unusual and persistent digestive disorders (diarrhea or constipation);
- Anemia.
Consult your GP as soon as possible, who will refer you to a gastroenterologist.
What should I do if I have a family or personal history?
You have a family or personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer:
- You need special care.
- Your GP will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy.
- The frequency of this examination will be determined by your doctor and/or gastroenterologist according to your history and the results of your colonoscopy.
- If your GP suspects a genetic predisposition (cancer before age 50 in several parents), or a case of identified mutation (Lynch syndrome), you should be kept under special surveillance.
What are the warning signs of colorectal cancer?
- Visible blood in the stool;
- Abdominal pain ;
- Unusual and persistent digestive disorders (diarrhea or constipation);
- Anemia.
Colorectal cancer prevention
How can I reduce my risk of cancer?
- With regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day.
- With a balanced and varied diet:
- Limit consumption of red meat, cold meats and animal fats.
- Increase consumption of vegetables, fruit and fiber-rich foods.
- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol.