Colorectal Cancer: “Blue March” Screening Campaign in Brittany, France

Health officials are launching a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. The initiative, dubbed “Mars Bleu” (Blue March), aims to improve screening rates and ultimately reduce mortality from this second-leading cause of cancer death.

Colorectal cancer is responsible for approximately 47,582 fresh cases and nearly 17,000 deaths annually in France. In the Brittany region alone, the disease causes an average of 944 deaths each year. Early detection is crucial, as the cancer often develops slowly and delayed diagnosis can lead to more severe consequences. However, when detected early, the survival rate is as high as 90 percent.

Free Screening Available

The French National Health Insurance informs individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 about the availability of free screening through their primary care physician. A home testing kit is provided, and the completed test can be mailed back to a laboratory in a provided envelope. Results are then communicated to both the individual and their doctor at no cost.

Aurélie Le Quémant, head of the Prevention Department at the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Brittany, emphasized the broader health benefits of an active lifestyle, stating, “Practicing physical or sports activity is beneficial for your health.” The ARS supports “Health Sport Houses” to promote healthier lifestyles through increased physical activity.

In addition to screening, several events are planned to support the “Mars Bleu” campaign. The Ligue contre le Cancer (French Cancer League) will host the “Colon Tour” on March 2 and 3, featuring a giant inflatable colon at the Private Hospital of the Côtes d’Armor in Plérin. On Sunday, March 1, students from the Mazier campus will organize a solidarity run against cancer at the Maryvonne-Dupureu athletics stadium in Saint-Brieuc. One euro will be donated to the Ligue contre le Cancer for each kilometer completed.

Information

Colorectal Cancer Screening – CRCDC Bretagne, Côtes-d’Armor branch, ZA Anatole-France, 4 rue Max-Le Bail, Saint-Brieuc.