March has been internationally recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. That is why the Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation is asking extra attention this month for intestinal cancer and the 7 signals of intestinal cancer. Every day 33 people get the diagnosis of bowel cancer in the Netherlands. This makes it one of the most common cancers. Astrid Streng, project leader at the Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation (MLDS): “Colon cancer claims twelve lives every day. That is an impressive, but also a depressing number. Fortunately, we have been seeing a decline in the number of people who die from colon cancer for years. Not because it occurs less often, but because it is detected earlier.”
Early detection through population screening
When colon cancer is detected at an early stage, there are more options for treating the disease. There is also a greater chance of a cure and a better quality of life after the cancer. That is precisely why the population screening for bowel cancer (BVO) was introduced, partly on the initiative of the MLDS. The Dutch population screening detects thousands of cases of bowel cancer and even prevents one in three deaths from the disease. However, it can be even more successful. That is why the MLDS advocates lowering the age limit from 55 to 50 years. This is in line with European directives, produces health benefits and is relatively easy to organise.
Be alert, look back
It is advisable for every Dutch person, regardless of your age, to always be alert in addition to the BVO. This starts with looking back after a visit to the toilet and recognizing the signs of colon cancer. Not everyone is familiar with the signs of colon cancer. That is why the MLDS recommends doing the specially developed 7-signals test (https://www.mlds.nl/7-signals-darmkanker-test/) to get to know the signals. And to always go to the doctor if you have blood in your stool.
Rather prevent than cure
Together with KWF, the MLDS leads the AlcoholPrevention alliance for the Healthy Generation. Together with other health funds, the alliance strives for a Healthy Generation in 2040. There is strong evidence that alcohol is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. For example, every glass of alcohol per day is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer of 7%. The risk of colon cancer increases in particular if you drink two or more glasses of alcohol per day. The MLDS is therefore specifically committed to a Healthy Generation that grows up in a society in which it is easy and normal not to drink alcohol.
Over MLDS
Healthy digestion for everyone: that is the goal of the Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation. More awareness, early detection and a better quality of life. Together with doctors, researchers, volunteers, collectors and donors, we dedicate ourselves to this goal every day. We fund opportunities to detect diseases early. And we are committed to ensuring that someone who is ill receives the right treatment quickly. But we would much rather prevent someone from getting a digestive disease. That is why we say to everyone in the Netherlands: Listen to your guts! Because your digestive system tells you everything about your health. www.mlds.nl.
Text MLDS/photo shutterstock
