The Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation wants intestinal screening to be done in the Netherlands from the age of 50 instead of 55. She sent a petition to the House of Representatives.
In the Netherlands, both men and women are screened for colon cancer from the age of 55 every two years until the age of 75. By lowering the age limit to 50 years – as is the case in Belgium – 150 lives can be saved. saved each year, says Mariël Croon, director of the Association of Gastrointestinal and Liver Physicians (NVMDL) of the Netherlands. The NVMDL presented a petition with 500,000 signatures to the House of Representatives (compared to our chamber of representatives).
But the NVMDL has little hope that the age limit will be extended. “This government is not focused on prevention, so my hopes are not very high, but it is important to continuously attract attention,” president Manon Spaander told the Dutch website Medisch Contact, to specialized in medical news.
Reducing the age from 55 to 50 would increase the number of colonoscopies by 24 percent in the first year, but it would decline to 10 percent thereafter. With the current age limits, 60,00 colonoscopies are performed every year in the Netherlands.
In Belgium, screening for colon cancer takes place from the age of 50, the age recommended by the European Health Council. But doctor Luc Colemont from the non-profit organization Stop Bowel Cancer also wants to lower that limit for us. In the United States and Australia, screening has been taking place since last year from the age of 45. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Belgium. It is diagnosed in more than 5,000 Flemish people every year and claims 2,000 lives every year. The survival rate when diagnosed with colon cancer is 70 percent. About half of the target group in the Gatis population study participates. But that could be better, says Dr. Colemont. So he published a second book at the beginning of November: ‘The Big Message – How we delete colon cancer together’.
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2024-11-21 13:08:00
#Dutch #doctors #require #colon #cancer #screening #age
* How might the lower age limit for colon cancer screening impact healthcare resource allocation in the Netherlands, and are there potential strategies to mitigate any projected strain on the system?
## Screening for Peace of Mind: A Discussion on Lowering the Age Limit
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re delving into the crucial topic of colon cancer screening and the debate surrounding lowering the age limit for such screenings. Joining us are Dr. Mariël Croon, Director of the Association of Gastrointestinal and Liver Physicians (NVMDL) of the Netherlands, and Dr. Luc Colemont, representing the non-profit organization Stop Bowel Cancer.
**Opening**
* **Dr. Croon, the NVMDL has actively campaigned to lower the colon cancer screening age in the Netherlands. Can you shed light on the reasons behind this push and the evidence supporting your stance?**
**Section 1: The Power of Early Detection**
* **Dr. Colemont, Belgium already aligns with the European Health Council’s recommendation for screening to start at 50. What has been the impact of this policy? Have you witnessed any noticeable changes in detection rates and survival outcomes?**
* **Dr. Croon, the article mentions that the NVMDL gathered 500,000 signatures in support of your petition. What are some of the key arguments raised by the signatories, and do you believe public opinion is shifting in favor of lowering the age limit?**
**Section 2: Weighing the Costs and Benefits**
* **Dr. Croon, the Dutch government has expressed reluctance towards lowering the age limit, suggesting a focus on other preventative measures. How would you address these concerns, and what are the potential economic and healthcare system implications of expanding screening access?**
* **Dr. Colemont, international trends indicate a shift towards initiating screening at an even younger age, such as 45. What factors contribute to this global trend, and do you believe it’s necessary for Belgium to follow suit?**
**Section 3: The Future of Colon Cancer Prevention**
* **Both of you have dedicated your careers to raising awareness about colon cancer. What future advancements give you hope in the fight against this disease, and what message would you like to convey to individuals concerned about their risk?**
**Closing**
We thank Dr. Croon and Dr. Colemont for sharing their insights on this important issue. The conversation around colon cancer screening is complex, and ultimately, informed decisions by individuals in consultation with their healthcare providers are essential. We encourage our viewers to educate themselves about their risks and to prioritize preventative measures.
**Note: This is a sample interview framework. You can adapt it by incorporating additional questions, expanding on specific topics, and tailoring the tone to your target audience.**
