Dépistage du cancer colorectal

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is Europe's most frequent malignancy with an annual incidence of more than 430 000 cases and a mortality approaching 50%. Fecal blood tests (guaiac fecal occult blood tests, fecal immunological tests) are primarily designed for early cancer detection. They lack sensitivity and have to be repeated annually to be effective. Optical colonoscopy allows the detection and endoscopic removal of precancerous lesions and early cancer. Hence, it represents the most comprehensive and complete - albeit invasive and expensive - screening tool available to date. More sensitive DNA-based stool and blood tests are currently under evaluation and may have the potential to influence a future screening programme, yet to be implemented in our country. © Médecine et Hygiène 2010.