Kruidvat will sell self -tests for colon cancer
Kruidvat will offer self -tests to detect colon cancer in collaboration with the VZW Stop Bowel Cancer. « This lowers the social threshold that some people still experience, » says Professor Dominique Vandijck (UGent).
“Colon cancer? I know little about it, « said 74 percent of Belgians. Nevertheless, 1 in 20 will be confronted with the disease. Colon cancer is the second more deadliest cancer, but if it is discovered on time, the chance of healing is more than 90 percent.
For that reason, early investigation is of great importance says the vzw Stop colon cancer. The government is already organizing a population screening: all 50 to 74-year-olds receive a free invitation every two years to be tested for colon cancer. « That is very useful and we encourage everyone to participate, » says Professor Dominique Vandijck, health economist at UGent and Co-CEO of VZW Stop colon cancer. « But today we know that up to 20 percent of all new cases for that age limit of 50 years. »
How does such a test work?
According to the non -profit organization, self -tests can play a role there. “It is an accessible way to encourage people to take their health in their own hands. They are not only reliable, the cost price is limited and they are now easily available. Normally such a test costs between 20 to 25 euros, at Kruidvat they will be temporarily offered for 12.99 euros. ”
A self -test detects blood in the bowel movements that you cannot see with the naked eye. That blood can be a possible indication of intestinal polyps, the precursors of colon cancer. “There is an average of eight years between the occurrence of a polyp and colon cancer. Once you experience symptoms, the disease is often advanced. «
Practical: After a big message you take a small steel with the supplied material that you put into the test solution. « A different result does not automatically indicate colon cancer, but must always be checked and monitored. »
