Have any concerns? Make an appointment with a primary care physician
Blue March: Let’s work together to fight colorectal cancer
Approximately 4,500 people are diagnosed with this cancer each year in Switzerland. Colorectal cancer remains a public health priority due to its impact on mortality, even though incidence rates vary by country and screening practices.
- It is one of the most common cancers in Europe.
- It affects both men and women.
- It primarily affects people over the age of 50, but is increasingly affecting younger patients.
- An increase in cases has been observed among people under 50 in recent years.
- It is often detectable early and highly treatable when detected at an early stage.
Screening: A Life-Saving Measure
Regular screening helps to:
- Detect precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer.
- Identify cancer at an early stage, when treatments are most effective.
- Reduce mortality from this disease.
Data also show that mortality rates are higher in countries where early screening and treatments are less accessible.
Are you eligible for screening? To answer this question, check the eligibility criteria on the Geneva Foundation’s website for cancer screening.
Getting Screened: Simple and Effective Solutions
95% of fecal occult blood (FIT) screening tests come back negative. When a polyp is detected during a colonoscopy, only 3% progress to cancer if left untreated. Most importantly, 9 out of 10 colorectal cancers can be cured when detected at an early stage. Performed before symptoms appear, screening helps detect precancerous lesions, reduces the need for extensive treatment, and significantly increases the chances of a cure.
In Switzerland, several cantons offer colorectal cancer screening programs. In the canton of Geneva, screening is based on a simple, validated, and well-tolerated approach.
- A fecal occult blood test, to be performed at home every two years.
- A colonoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist every ten years.
A preliminary consultation with your family doctor provides clear and balanced explanations about the two available tests.
Do you have any doubts or questions? Make an appointment at our General Medicine Center.
Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference
Because prevention starts with daily habits, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Adopt a balanced diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.
- Follow screening recommendations.
Multidisciplinary and Highly Specialized Care
La Tour Hospital offers multidisciplinary and highly specialized care for colorectal cancer thanks to comprehensive technical facilities and the necessary expertise available on its campus. To ensure that patients with this disease receive the best possible treatment, a multidisciplinary conference—also known as a tumor board—is held weekly, bringing together specialists from various disciplines. This allows specialists to discuss treatment options, validate a treatment plan by comparing perspectives, and then implement the optimal follow-up care.