Colon cancer screening Millions of people unnecessarily risk their lives

Why we should go to the colorectal cancer screening from a certain age

Certainly, a colorectal cancer screening is not really a pleasant affair, but it can save lives. Researchers have now found that millions of people are unnecessarily exposed to the risk of dying from colorectal cancer because they do not undergo colorectal cancer screening.

Researchers at University College London found in their study that many people die unnecessarily from bowel cancer because they do not undergo screening. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "European Journal of Cancer".

A colonoscopy is taken from the age of 55 years of the statutory health insurance companies as colorectal cancer screening for all insured. (Image: DOC RABE Media / fotolia.com)

Fewer and fewer people give for check-up

In England alone, the number of people between the ages of 60 and 64 who participated in their first colorectal cancer screening fell from 53 percent in 2010 to 49 percent in 2015, the experts explain. These diminishing figures were noted, although in the UK, a free colon cancer screening kit is provided every two years for people aged 60 to 74 as part of the English Colon Cancer Screening Program. Here stool samples are taken on three days and sent back in specially sealed envelopes. In Germany too, every insured person from the age of 50 is entitled to regular examinations for the early detection of colorectal cancer. The costs are covered by statutory and private health insurance companies.

Data from 4.4 million people were evaluated

The study looked at data from 4.4 million men and women aged 60 to 64, who were sent home from 2010 to 2015 for a test kit. Christian von Wagner from University College London. The number of older people diagnosed with cancer could increase by 80 percent over the next two decades, experts say. The investigation found that only 47 percent of men and 56 percent of women who received a test kit took advantage of this opportunity.

The prediction of colon cancer needs to be improved

People from poorer areas generally participated less frequently in the program. The study found that only 41 percent of people from poorer areas used the program, compared to 57 percent of people from more affluent areas. The fact that fewer and fewer people are returning their kits, and that inequalities in the system are widening, is very worrying, says dr. from Wagner. There is an urgent need to revolutionize colorectal cancer screening. The sooner the cancer is discovered, the more lives can be saved, the expert adds.

New test could improve diagnoses

Research has shown that the introduction of a new test called Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) would encourage more people to participate, with an increase in use of seven percent. The earlier this test is introduced, the more lives could be saved. It is hoped that FIT will drastically improve the participation rate, as this test requires only one stool sample instead of three. It is also claimed that the test can better detect possible signs of disease.

Hopefully, FIT Kit will increase the number of people tested

The age of colorectal cancer screening in England is also expected to be lowered from 60 years to 50 years, with FIT expected to be introduced in the fall, experts said. The doctors want more people to be tested because it can save thousands more lives. People unnecessarily risk their lives by missing a colon screening test. This could significantly reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer. The new FIT kit will be easier to use and hopefully will increase the number of people tested, the researchers say.

Nine out of ten people survive colon cancer with early diagnosis

In England alone, around 28,500 people over the age of 60 contract colon cancer every year, but the chances of survival are significantly better if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. Nine out of ten people survive the disease if it is detected early. However, if the cancer is detected at later stages, only about one-tenth survivor survives, explain the experts. (As)