Colorectal cancer

 

 

               

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women FACT

- In Belgium, there are approximately 8,000 cases of colorectal cancer each year: 3,600 in women, 4,400 in men.
- The risk increases with age:
         between 40 and 49 years, 1 in 580 people will get colorectal cancer.
         between 50 and 59 years, 1 in 160 people will get colorectal cancer.
         between 60 and 69 years, 1 in 75 people will get colorectal cancer.
         between 70 and 79 years, 1 in 40 people will get colorectal cancer.

 

 

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death: FACT
- 30% of people with colorectal cancer die from cancer, very often because the cancer was diagnosed too late.

 

 

Colon cancer often develops without symptoms: FACT
- Colon cancer can grow for years without any symptoms.  When it does develop, it is often very advanced and difficult to cure.

 

 

Regular screening can reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer: FACT 
- Colorectal cancer often develops from polyps (types of growths in the colon).
  Through screening, these polyps can be found and removed.
- Some polyps start to bleed: this is a sign of developing cancer. The blood is not visible in the stool, but it can be detected with Colotest.
- Colorectal cancer screening can detect cancer at an early stage with a better chance of cure and less treatment.
- In a population that is regularly screened, the risk of death from colorectal cancer is reduced by 20%.

You cannot eliminate the risk of colorectal cancer, but you can reduce the risk: FACT
- if you do not smoke
- if you avoid being overweight
- if you consume alcohol in moderation
- if you exercise regularly
- if you follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber and avoid processed meats (smoked, salted, etc.) and grilled meats.

 

The frequency of colorectal cancer is increasing: FALSE
The frequency of colorectal cancer has been declining since 2015, especially in Flanders as a result of the screening program in which more than half of the population participates.
The death rate from bowel cancer has decreased by 40% over 30 years, thanks to medical advancements, screening, and improved lifestyle.

 

 

The risk of colorectal cancer is also genetically determined: TRUE
Certain known genetic mutations significantly increase the risk. These mutations are rare. They can be passed from one generation to the next.
20% of colorectal cancers are related to a higher frequency of cancer in the family.
For people with a known genetic or familial risk, specific screening is recommended.

More information:
Bowel cancer, the causes, the symptoms, the treatments: Foundation Against Cancer 
The figures: the Cancer Registry
Genetic risk screening: Foundation Against Cancer