Colorectal cancer: detected early, cured 9 times out of 10

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When detected early, colorectal cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the colon or rectum.
It is the ^third most common cancer after prostate and breast cancer and is the^{second leading} cause of cancer-relateddeaths.

However, when detected early, colorectal cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases.

Key Statistics on Colorectal Cancer

• 47,582 new cases in 2023 (26,212 men and 21,370 women)
• 17,000 deaths per year

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Why screen for colorectal cancer?

Screening helps to:

1. Detecting a polyp before it develops into cancer.
2. 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 that might predispose them to this cancer,
• absence of warning signs
  • Visible blood in the stool;
  • Abdominal pain ;
  • Unusual and persistent digestive disorders: diarrhea or constipation;
  • Anemia.
  • Weight loss

Is this screening free?

Screening is fully covered by Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs to you.

How does it work?

The screening involves taking a home test designed to detect the presence of blood in your stool that is not visible to the naked eye. Using the screening kit, you can collect a stool sample in a very hygienic manner . This test is painless, simple, and quick.

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.
• at your local pharmacy
• or order it on the website monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr using the invitation number listed on your invitation letter. Your answers to the questionnaire will determine whether this test is appropriate based on 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 shows no abnormalities and will need to be repeated in two years.
In 4% of cases, the test detects blood in your stool. This does not mean you have cancer. Your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. In more than half of cases, despite the presence of blood, the colonoscopy finds no abnormalities.

Answers to your questions about colorectal cancer

Is there a colorectal cancer screening program for people under 50 and over 74?

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 problems (diarrhea or constipation);
• Anemia.

See your primary care physician as soon as possible; they 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 primary care physician will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy.
• The frequency of these follow-up exams will be determined by your doctor and/or gastroenterologist based on your medical history and the results of the colonoscopy.
• If your primary care physician suspects a genetic predisposition (cancer in several relatives before age 50) or a confirmed mutation (Lynch syndrome), you should undergo special monitoring.

Colorectal cancer prevention

How can I reduce my risk of cancer?

• By engaging in 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.
• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.