Blue Marsh : Fast-track diagnosis for colorectal cancer at the H.U.B

For more than a year now, the teams at the Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department at the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute have been proposing a new fast-track diagnosis for colorectal cancer. This is exclusively for patients showing warning signs, testing positive for the presence of blood in the stools or considered to be high risk. Also, on the occasion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, on 26 and 27 March a giant colon will be erected in the lobby of the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute. Professionals from our institutions will accompany you as you discover this organ and increase your awareness of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.   

Essential screening
Every year more than 8,000 Belgians, men and women, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In 90 % of cases they are aged over 50. One third of these people will die of the disease because they detected it too late. Yet if detected in time, 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured. Given these reassuring recovery figures, our professionals decided to launch fast-track diagnosis for patients showing warning signs or with a high level of risk. Colonoscopy screening is essential as it makes it possible to identify a colorectal cancer as early as possible, thereby reducing mortality by 50%. In addition to the diagnosis, a colonoscopy is also of therapeutic value as it makes it possible to detect the cancer at an early stage or prevent its occurrence by removing colorectal polyps as well as any very early cancers.   

Who are candidates for a colonoscopy?
Among the general population, the risk becomes significant after the age of 50. The over-50s can be screened easily by testing for the presence of blood in the stools. This test is proposed by your Region through a personal invitation sent out every two years   (Brussels : www.Bruprev.be; Wallonia : www.ccref.org; Flanders: https://www.cvko.vlaanderen/) 

If you are considered to be at risk (hereditary mutation such as familial adenomatous polyoposis or Lynch syndrome, personal or family history of colorectal cancer and /or polyps, inflammatory disease of the digestive tube – Crohn’s disease of ulcerative colitis) or if you show warning signs such as an unexplained and lasting change in bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, you can make an appointment with our professionals who will quickly book a colonoscopy for you. 

• Gastroenterology consultation:
  • Jules Bordet Institute +32 (0)2 541 34 80
  • Erasmus +32 (0)2 555 35 04
• Screening consultation Jules Bordet Institute (if no symptoms) : +32 (0)2 541 30 00

A giant colon to boost public awareness
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the Erasmus Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute will be displaying a giant colon. With health professionals on hand to explain, you can step inside the structure to discover the organ, in 3D, and better understand why and how to protect yourself against colorectal cancer, one of Belgium’s most lethal cancers. Make it a date: Wednesday 26 March between 9 am and 4 pm at the Erasmus Hospital and Thursday 27 March between 9 am and 4 pm at the Jules Bordet Institute.