The inflatable tunnel shows in a plastic, but very clear way, which phenomena can appear in your large intestine. — © Hans Otten
In Flanders, 55% of citizens aged between 50 and 74 accepted the invitation to have their bowel movements tested for colorectal cancer free of charge. But there is still room for improvement, because that research is very useful.
Hans Otten
An inflatable tunnel will be set up in front of the Geel Hospital on Tuesday that invites visitors to enter a large intestine. Inside, they receive clear information about polyps, growths and other phenomena that can be revealed during a colonoscopy – an examination of the intestines. The main aim is to convince them to participate in the free stool test to detect colorectal cancer in time.
“Colon cancer occurs just as often as breast cancer, but is much less known,” say doctors Ben Gys and Katelijne Valgaeren of Hospital Geel. “One in twenty people will be confronted with colon cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, it is a form of cancer where you do get some time to treat it with good results. But then it is crucial that we know in time that a cancerous tumor is present. That is why these preventive examinations are so important.”
Doctors Ben Gys (left) and Katelijne Valgaeren (right) from Hospital Geel explain the colon together with hospital employees. — © Hans Otten
Family history
At some point, every Flemish person between the ages of 50 and 74 will receive a package with the invitation to collect and send stool in a jar. That is an excellent test to find out if there are any problems. In that case, a colonoscopy is recommended.
“People often don’t even notice that something is going on. On the other hand, you also have many people who walk around with symptoms such as abdominal pain or blood loss during bowel movements for too long before they contact us. This can be especially problematic when there is a family history of colorectal cancer. We notice that many people are still afraid to get tested. Or they are afraid of the colonoscopy, which is not necessary at all. Or for the disease, but we can successfully treat it if detected early,” say the doctors. (to)
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