Colorectal Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, What You Should Know About

47,000 men and women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.

World Cancer Day has just passed and Blue Mars Month is about to begin.

Focus on the most common cancers in France: risk factors, symptoms and screening.

Last February 4 was World Cancer Day and very soon, the focus will be on colorectal cancer prevention during Blue Mars. Chances of this cancer returning, “Most common in our country and second deadliest after lung cancer”Because it touches “Approximately 47,000 men and women and cause 17,000 deaths each year”As recalled by Jerome Viguere, a digestive oncologist at the National Cancer Institute contacted by TF1 INFO. In men, there is colorectal cancer “Third most common cancer after prostate and lung”. On the women’s side, that is “Second to breast cancer”.

Colorectal cancer first forms locally from cells that line the inner wall of the large intestine, the last part of the digestive tract, the colon (60% of cancers) and the rectum (40%). It initially develops from a normal cell “Multiplication without change and limit”, until it forms a mass called a malignant tumor. Cancer cells can then migrate into the body through the bloodstream. The most common are located in the liver and lungs.

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“Combating Risk Factors”

Step One: Prevention. “Combating risk factors is essential”, says the digestive oncologist. Many factors promote the occurrence of colorectal cancer. This risk increases when several risk factors are combined. Colorectal cancer “Development occurs in the second half of life, after 50 years”, he continues. Age thus increases the risk of this cancer: 9 out of 10 people affected are over 50 years of age.

“We can also act on lifestyle”, mentions Jérôme Viguier. For example, a diet low in fiber and high in red meat, physical inactivity, overweight, alcohol and tobacco consumption. “40% of cancers in general can be avoided by changing our lifestyle habits”, he adds. This increases the risk of developing cancer “Personal History”, including people with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), genetic diseases (familial adenomatous polyposis) and Lynch syndrome. But also, “Family History of Colorectal Cancer”..

Symptoms to watch out for

The first symptoms, connected with the initial detection, are numerous and “Not too sure, they don’t necessarily attract attention” : Transport disorders, persistent diarrhoea, abnormal constipation, abdominal pain, etc. “An important sign that should alert, however, is the presence of blood in the stool”A digestive oncologist directs.

“In more advanced stages of the disease, other signs may appear” such as abdominal mass on palpation, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, unexplained deterioration in general condition (loss of weight and appetite, decreased food intake and fatigue), persistent urge to pass stool or unexplained anemia (abnormally low red blood cells as measured by a blood test layer of cells).

Importance of screening

For those with a personal or family history, “It’s important to report it and to conduct screening earlier and more often, colonoscopies directly.”, explains Jérôme Viguier. For others, without symptoms, history or specific risk factors, there is a national colorectal cancer screening program. This is a free, quick and effective immunological test that can be done at home. Sampling kits can be collected from a doctor, pharmacy or can be sent to your home. It must be returned to the laboratory by post. It is for women and men aged 50 to 74 years. “The test looks for traces of blood in the stool and identifies pre-cancerous lesionsThat explains. “Diagnosed early thanks to screening, colorectal cancer can be cured 9 times out of 10, while at an advanced stage, there is only a 10% chance of cure.”

“94% of French are in favor of testing.” however, “There is only 34% participation, which is insufficient. It is necessary to mobilize the population. Taking action remains complicated for three reasons. First, colorectal cancer is still perceived as a sneaky cancer, which develops from within, which creates certain concerns. . Then, testing involves stool samples and manipulation, which can be prohibitive compared to blood testing. After all, since the health crisis, “people didn’t want to refocus on necessity and add additional concerns. They therefore reduced adherence to screening. Programs.”

, digestive oncologist details. If France achieves the target of more than 60% participation in testing, 5,700 colorectal cancers and 6,600 deaths will be averted each year. Thus, the French are invited to take the exam every two years.

In addition to screening, health insurance organizes awareness campaigns every year that encourage screening, through the media, but also during prevention month, Mars Blue. A website has also been set up by the National Cancer Institute: Internet users simply enter their gender and age to find screenings that concern them.