United European Gastroenterology (UEG) week – findings on colorectal cancer

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG) week, an informative and inspiring event on digestive health, concluded on Tuesday. We were especially interested in the latest discussions related to screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

UEG published the White Book 2 on the burden, economic impact, research gaps and the key findings from the Pan-European study on digestive diseases and cancers.¹ The data showed that colorectal cancer is responsible for the highest proportion of cancer-related deaths in Europe. Between 2000 and 2019, there has been a 33% increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer cases and a 19% increase in the deaths. The increase in cases is linked to several modifiable risk factors, across 44 countries, such as an increase in alcohol consumption, smoking, and body mass index (BMI).²

Early detection of colorectal cancer can reduce the incidence and mortality. Non-invasive screening methods that use stool samples can detect the presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.³ The recommended screening method for colorectal cancer by the European Commission is quantitative faecal immunochemical testing (FIT), which can identify individuals between 50 and 74 years old who need a follow-up colonoscopy.⁴

QuikRead go^® iFOBT is an immunochemical FIT test for the detection and quantitation of faecal occult blood. Learn more about QuikRead go iFOBT.

References

1. United European Gastroenterology. Burden, economic impact and research gaps. (nxtbook.com). Key findings from the Pan-European study on digestive diseases and cancers. Accessed: 19.10.2023.
2. Rose TC, Pennington A, Kypridemos C, Chen T, Subhani M, Hanefeld J, Ricciardiello L, Barr B. Analysis of the Burden and Economic Impact of Digestive Diseases and Investigation of Research Gaps and Priorities in the Field of Digestive Health in the European Region – White Book 2: Executive Summary. United European Gastroenterol J. 2022; 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/ueg2.12298
3. World Health Organization. Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal cancer (who.int). Accessed: 19.10.2023.
4. European Commission. European Health Union: Commission welcomes adoption of new EU cancer screening recommendations. Available at: European Health Union: new approach on cancer screening (europa.eu). Accessed: 19.10.2023.