The screening programme for colorectal cancer is being stepped up in an effort to cut down on the 150 deaths caused by the disease every year.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Chris Fearne, said the screening programme, which previously targeted people 60 to 64 years old, had been extended upwards to 66, and would eventually begin as early as 55.

During an outreach programme in Valletta to mark National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Fearne said the programme had been ongoing for two and a half years, but the response rate of approximately 50 per cent was still unsatisfactory.

With a 60 per cent mortality rate, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in Malta, and the most common cause of cancer death.
The disease is responsible for approximately 300 new diagnoses and 150 deaths every year.

“We want to call on everyone who receives the invitation to take the test. Colorectal cancer is a deadly disease but if it is caught early, before symptoms emerge, it can be prevented,” said Dr Fearne.

Head of screening Prof. Joe Psaila said the only way to reduce the mortality rate was through increased screening.

“The test is modern, precise, and can be carried out within five minutes in the privacy of your home.”

Prof Psaila explained that his team had increased its work threefold and was now sending out some 300 screening invitations every day.

Those who test positive are informed by a dedicated team that also provides counselling services and further medical advice should a colonoscopy be deemed necessary.