As part of Blue March, a month dedicated to raising awareness about bowel cancer, special efforts are being made to inform the public about screening. RTL journalist Emma Felgen spoke to the head of the Coordination Centre for Cancer Screening to learn more.
Bowel cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer cases and is the world’s third most common and second deadliest form of the disease, according to the World Health Organization. In Luxembourg, the Ministry of Health has sent out 300,000 invitations since 2021 encouraging people to participate in the national screening programme. However, response rates have been low.
The screening process is simple: the FIT test (Faecal Immunochemical Test) can be done at home, requiring only a stool sample. Instructions are available on the Health Ministry’s website, and test kits can be collected from pharmacies.
Fanny Lorin, who oversees the programme, emphasises that the goal is to offer a non-invasive, risk-free test. The FIT test detects blood in the stool and isn’t affected by diet, meaning it can still be taken even after eating red meat.
The programme is open to people aged 45 to 74 who are affiliated with the CNS (National Health Fund).
Despite its simplicity, Luxembourg’s participation rate is just 28%, below the European average of 36%. Lorin attributes this to both a lack of awareness and the fear of receiving a positive result. However, she stresses that this should not be a deterrent. Having access to such an easy screening tool is an opportunity to take control of one’s health, she explains, adding that while the possibility of finding something can be unsettling, early detection makes treatment much easier.
She recommends repeating the test every two years as long as the results remain negative. If a positive result is found, there is no need to panic, as this does not necessarily mean cancer – only that further checks are needed.
If bowel cancer is detected early, it can be cured in nine out of ten cases.
To boost participation, the Blue March campaign will also include posters, social media outreach, and information stands, encouraging more people to take the test – because early detection can make all the difference.
