Civil Hospices of Beaune - Civil Hospices of Beaune - A day to make colorectal cancer go away!

March is traditionally dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, one of the most common but largely preventable types of cancer. To mark the occasion, the Civic Hospices of Beaune organized an information and awareness day this Thursday at the Philippe Le Bon Hospital Center in Beaune.

The Information and Awareness Day, organized by the Civic Hospices of Beaune, highlighted the crucial importance of information and awareness in the fight against colorectal cancer. The initiative, in partnership with home services provider Studiosanté 71 and Johnson & Johnson Laboratories, conducted several events to educate and engage the public about this potentially fatal but preventable disease.
The highlight of the day was the broadcast of a video interview with two eminent specialists: Dr. Melkart Basile, visceral surgeon at the Civil Hospice of Beaune, and Dr. Nathalie Ziade, gastroenterologist. In collaboration with the Côte d’Or Cancer League Committee, this session aimed to demystify colorectal cancer, explaining its causes, symptoms, the importance of early detection and available treatment options. The goal was to make information accessible to everyone, debunking fears and preconceived notions about the disease.

Prevention stand and nutrition master class
The prevention stand, organized by health workers from the Civil Hospice of Beaune, provided a space for direct discussion with the public. Visitors were able to ask questions in complete confidentiality, receive educational brochures and understand the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. At the same time, the nutrition workshop emphasized the critical role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, focusing on diets rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, and low in red and processed meats.
Although the installation had to be lowered due to adverse weather conditions, the giant colonist is a shining example of outreach efforts. This anatomical view allows specific visualization of the different stages of colorectal cancer, including polyp formation. The goal was to offer an immersive experience to better understand the disease, thereby promoting discussion about screening and prevention.

Awareness about early detection
The central point of the day was to highlight the importance of early detection. While clearly explaining the immunological screening test, health professionals insisted on its simplicity, accessibility and crucial role in early detection of the disease. Emphasizing that colorectal cancer can be cured in 9 out of 10 cases if detected early, the event aimed to encourage active participation in screening.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include both modifiable elements related to lifestyle and non-modifiable factors such as genetics and certain diseases. Among these factors, unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, as well as age and family history play a decisive role.
Screening for colorectal cancer is critical to detecting the disease at an early stage, when it is more treatable. For people aged 50 to 74 years who do not have a personal or family history of polyps, cancer, or diseases affecting the colon or rectum, immunological testing is recommended every 2 years. This test detects the presence of blood in the stool, which is an early sign of the disease.
In the event of a positive test result, full care is provided at the Beaune Hospital Center by a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists and digestive surgeons. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis and possibly removing polyps before they become cancerous.