Article
Fast track diagnosis of colorectal cancer within the H.U.B
The teams at the Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology of the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute propose a fast track diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The teams at the Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology of the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute propose a fast track diagnosis of colorectal cancer for patients showing warning signs, a positive result for the presence of blood in the stools or at high risk. On 20 and 21 March a giant colon will be installed in the lobby of the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute. Professionals from our institutions will be present to accompany you as you discover this organ and to stress the importance of colorectal cancer screening.  Essential screening Every year more than 8,000 Belgians, men and women, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In 90% of cases they are aged over 50. One third of these people die from their cancer because it was detected too late. If treated in time, colorectal cancer is cured in 90% of cases. Faced with this situation, our professionals decided to put into place fast track diagnosis for patients with warning signs or at high risk.  Screening with a colonoscopy is essential as it reduces the risk of developing a colorectal cancer and cuts colorectal cancer mortality by 50%. In addition to the diagnosis, this examination also has a treatment value as it makes it possible to detect the cancer at an early stage and to prevent a cancer developing by removing colorectal polyps and early stage cancers.  Who is the screening for? In the general population the risk becomes significant after the age of 50. From that age it is easy to effect the screening test by searching for blood in the stools. This test is proposed by your Region via a personalised invitation every two years (Brussels: www.Bruprev.be; Wallonia : www.ccref.org; Flanders: https://www.cvko.vlaanderen/) If you are a person at risk (a hereditary mutation such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome, personal or family history of polyps and/or colorectal cancer, inflammatory disease of the  digestive tract  - Crohn’s disease or rectocolitis) or if you show warning signs such as the presence of blood in the stools, an unexplained or lasting change in the frequency of bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, you can make an appointment with our professionals who will then rapidly schedule a colonoscopy.  Gastroenterology consultation: • Jules Bordet Institute +32 (0)2 541 34 80 • Erasmus +32 (0)2 555 35 04 Screening consultation Jules Bordet Institute (if no symptoms) : +32 (0)2 541 30 55 A giant colon and a mini exhibition to boost awareness The month of March is colorectal cancer awareness month. On this occasion the Jules Bordet Institute will be organising an awareness raising event complete with a giant colon. Accompanied by health professionals, you can go inside the colon to discover the organ in 3D and better understand why and how to protect yourself against colorectal cancer, one of the most deadly cancers in Belgium. Note the dates: 20 March at the Erasmus Hospital, between 9 am ad 4 pm; 21 March at the Jules Bordet Institute, between 9 am and 4 pm.  
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Fertility Clinic – MAR (Medically Assisted Reproduction)
Contact the Fertility Clinic Are you a doctor and wish to obtain the medical results of your patients, refer a patient, or request a (second) opinion?Contact our clinic by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 (weekdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm) or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one?Contact us by phone at +32 (0)2 555 48 57 or by email at cons [dot] PMA [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Opening hours on weekdays: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.Are you affected by cancer and wish to learn more about your fertility?Discuss it with your doctor, who can reach us on all working days at +32 (0)2 555 53 77.Do you have an administrative request?Contact our medical administration by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.The Secretariat of the Fertility Clinic is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. For a Multidisciplinary Approach to Fertility Issues Our clinic is committed to addressing fertility issues using a multidisciplinary approach, aligned with scientific society recommendations. Because these difficulties often occur in a broader health context, including the psychological dimension, we offer comprehensive support, both medical and human. Our team accompanies you throughout your journey toward parenthood.Integrated into an academic hospital, our clinic also contributes to medical advancements through numerous research projects, continuously improving fertility care. Image Image Image A Clinic Dedicated to Supporting Infertile Couples Our fertility clinic is dedicated to supporting infertile couples on their path to parenthood. We offer personalized care, focused on solutions tailored to each situation. After a complete evaluation, we provide options such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and alternative parenthood options, including sperm and egg donation. Solutions to Preserve Fertility and Prevent Genetic Disease Transmission We provide preimplantation genetic diagnostics for couples who wish to avoid passing on genetic disorders to their children. Our team is fully committed to fertility preservation, whether due to cancer, endometriosis, or age-related infertility. We also manage various menstrual cycle disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency, including Turner syndrome.Our multidisciplinary approach combines rigor, humanity, and expertise, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate follow-up. Our Fertility Care Services Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD/PGT)Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique to detect genetic abnormalities in an embryo created in vitro before uterine implantation. It is earlier and less invasive than genetic tests performed during pregnancy and allows couples carrying serious genetic disorders to significantly increase the chances of having a healthy child.Sperm DonationDonor sperm may be recommended in cases of total or near-total absence of sperm, or to prevent passing a genetic disorder from a male carrier to offspring. It is also a solution for female couples or single women wishing to conceive via medically assisted reproduction (MAR).Egg DonationEgg donation has been offered since 1984 at Erasme and has helped thousands of women worldwide become mothers. It is offered when infertility is due to very low egg quality despite ongoing menstrual cycles, or when the ovaries no longer contain follicles and are nonfunctional. Some patients also use it to prevent passing on a genetic disorder to their child.Fertility Preservation for Medical ReasonsFertility preservation is recommended when a disease or its treatment may impair fertility. Treatments such as ovarian or testicular surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain genetic conditions can damage ovaries or testes. This is particularly relevant in cancer treatment. Fertility preservation should ideally be considered before treatment begins. The discipline assessing these risks and providing solutions is called oncofertility.Fertility Preservation for Age (Age-Banking)Unlike men, who remain fertile at older ages, women are born with a limited egg reserve that decreases over time. Egg quality also declines, reducing pregnancy chances from age 30, with a sharper decline after 35. At Erasme Hospital, we offer egg vitrification, a rapid freezing technique preserving mature eggs for future use. We also provide sperm cryopreservation, a simple method to preserve male fertility long-term, for example, before a vasectomy.Fertility ImagingWe perform medical exams using ultrasound or X-ray to investigate infertility or conduct a fertility assessment.Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)IUI is a simple assisted reproduction technique in which prepared sperm is introduced into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter. The goal is to facilitate the meeting of gametes (eggs and sperm) in the female reproductive system. Using partner sperm is called homologous insemination (IAC), and donor sperm is called donor insemination (IAD). Dr. Catherine Houba, Director of the Fertility Clinic Obstetrician–Gynecologist specialized in Reproductive Medicine.Dr. Houba is deeply committed to the prevention of infertility. Her work addresses a wide range of topics, from reverse family planning to oocyte self-preservation.“As Clinic Director, I firmly believe that developing collective intelligence—both within my team and in our interactions with patients—is key to success. It allows us to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and personalized care, all of which are essential to medical excellence.” Make an appointment A Team of Specialists Guiding You Step by Step Our clinic brings together a team of experts dedicated to your project:Fertility-specialized gynecologistsReproductive biologistsPsychologists and emotional support counselorsNurses and care coordinatorsAndrology and endocrinology specialistsWe work together to ensure comprehensive and personalized care. Our Doctors Dr. Soraya AMIRGHOLAMISpecialties: All MAR requests; egg donation; anonymous egg donors; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Elisabeth ANAGNOSTOUSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Tournai.Languages: French, Greek, EnglishDr. Margherita CONDORELLISpecialties: All MAR requests; oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy).Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Serge DE LATHOUWERSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; cycle monitoring (Duke Center, Woluwe).Language: FrenchPr. Anne DELBAERESpecialties: All MAR requests; genetic disorders and reproduction; preimplantation genetic diagnosis; reproductive endocrinology; premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); egg donation; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Isabelle DEMEESTERESpecialties: Oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Fabienne DEVREKERSpecialties: All MAR requests; preimplantation diagnosis; andrology.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Michel DIKETESpecialties: All MAR requests; general gynecology and obstetrics.Language: FrenchDr. Isabelle DUPONDSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; preimplantation diagnosis; anonymous sperm donors; follow-up monitoring (Souverain Center).Languages: French, English, GermanDr. Ornite GOLDRATSpecialties: Onco-sexology.Language: French Dr. Catherine HOUBASpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment; anonymous sperm donors.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Christian KAMTO FOTSOSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Ath.Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Caroline LECOCQSpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation; cycle monitoring (Lecocq practice).Language: FrenchDr. Noé MOUTARDSpecialties: All MAR requests; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); fertility surgery, endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. David PENINGSpecialties: All MAR requests; andrology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); oncofertility.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Agathe RABATTUSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility surgery; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Asma SASSISpecialties: All MAR requests; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; MAR requests in patients with viral risk (HIV); premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); genetic disorders and reproduction.Languages: French, English, ArabicDr. Noémie VANCOPPENOLLESpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Mélodie VANDER BORGHTSpecialties: All MAR requests; reproductive endocrinology; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment).Languages: French, English Nurses and Midwives Faten ABI-LOTF Asmae BOUZAHZAH Mélanie GIESKESSamira IBRAHIMIChristina KOUROUTZIOUDI Margherite LEFEVRE Nancy LIMAGE   Meli LUKUBIKA Fabienne OOSTERS      Study nurses Lydia AIT AHCENEFrançoise HENRY Psychologists Chantal LARUELLEIsabelle PLACEDenis WALRAVENS Secretariat and Coordination Chantal DELEAUJeeny FARREEDUNLinda GOUINNawal KARROUMLaetitia VAN STICHELSonia XAMBRE CORDEIRO Biologists Director of MAR LaboratoryNecati FINDIKLIJAMILA BIRAMANE Salomé BORNEMANN Penelope COUTURIER Anne DANNAUGiovanna FASANO Eric GONZALEZ Elodie HUON Sandie JANSSENSGuillaume MBONGOLO MBELLA    µOzlem OKUTMAN Olga TOUMPA Thi Mai UYEN NGUYEN Anne Sophie VANNIN Sophie VENS   Danijel JANKOVICLarissa BAUDUIN      Research Laboratory Julie DECHENE   Géraldine VAN DEN STEEN       Services We Collaborate With to Provide Complete Care Clinic of Gynecological Surgery Clinic for Endometriosis Lien vers Clinic for Endometriosis Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Lien vers Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Clinic of Obstetrics Lien vers Clinic of Obstetrics We closely collaborate with other clinics in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department, including the gynecologic surgery clinic, the endometriosis clinic, the gynecologic ultrasound clinic, and the obstetrics clinic, which helps us prepare for sometimes challenging pregnancies. The Natus unit also supports more delicate situations.We are part of the transgender platform, which supports individuals in their gender transition journey.We work closely with the genetics department for the preimplantation genetic testing program and gamete donor selection. They help inform patients about specific genetic risks.We collaborate with the children’s hospital (HUDERF) for fertility preservation in children with cancer and for gynecologic consultations for children and adolescents.Finally, our oncofertility team works in close synergy with the various services at the Jules Bordet Institute, ensuring complete and personalized care. Resources and Useful Links on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction We provide a series of content (produced by doctors, researchers, patient associations, and public health actors) that helps you better understand and manage your fertility and identify support groups for exchange. Informed patients are empowered to make well-informed decisions about their health. Our teams are available to answer any questions. [APP] App for communication with patients during the cycle [WEBSITE] Information site on fertility and educational tools for youth [WEBSITE] WHO – General information on infertility worldwide FAQ on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction 1. What is infertility? Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 menstrual cycles, despite regular sexual intercourse during ovulation. It affects about 20% of couples. Humans, with roughly a 15% chance of conceiving per cycle, are among the least fertile species, alongside pandas. 2. What are the main symptoms of infertility? Difficulty conceiving is often the only noticeable sign of infertility. However, some symptoms may serve as warning signs. In women, irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, or menstrual disorders can be indicative. In men, erectile difficulties, reduced libido, or changes in sperm appearance can be signals to consider. If you experience these symptoms and wish to conceive, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist to identify the causes and explore appropriate solutions. 3. What are the causes of infertility in men and women? In women, common causes include ovulation disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or hormonal problems. In men, abnormal sperm production or ejaculation problems are the main causes of infertility. 4. Is infertility only a female problem? No, infertility affects both men and women. About one-third of cases are due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining third results from combined or unexplained factors. That is why it is essential that both partners are evaluated to best identify the causes and possible solutions. Infertility is an issue that concerns the couple as a whole. 5. How long should one wait before consulting for infertility? It is recommended to see a doctor after one year of unsuccessful attempts for patients under 35. Beyond this age, a consultation is advised after six months, as fertility decreases over time. The doctor can then carry out various tests to evaluate the couple’s fertility, including sperm analysis, gynecological ultrasounds, hormone measurements, and other tests tailored to each situation. 6. What is MAR (Medically Assisted Reproduction)? Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) encompasses a range of techniques designed to help couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally. These methods include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm or egg donation, gamete cryopreservation (eggs and sperm), and preimplantation genetic testing. 7. Are infertility treatments effective? Infertility treatments can be very effective, but success varies depending on several factors, such as age and cause of infertility. Treatments like IVF tend to have higher success rates in younger couples. A personalized evaluation by a specialist helps guide the most appropriate strategy for each situation. 8. How does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) work? An IVF cycle usually lasts about four weeks and follows a defined protocol. First, ovarian stimulation for around 10 days is performed to promote the maturation of multiple eggs. Once ovulation is triggered, the eggs are retrieved via a vaginal puncture and fertilized in the lab with the partner’s or donor’s sperm. After five days of embryonic development, one embryo is transferred into the uterus. About 10 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test checks whether implantation has succeeded. 9. What are the chances of success with MAR? Success rates for MAR depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the quality of eggs and sperm, and the technique used. On average, IVF has a success rate of 30–40% per embryo transfer for women under 35. This rate gradually decreases with age. Multiple attempts are often needed to achieve pregnancy. 10. Who can access MAR in Belgium? MAR is available to heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single women, regardless of marital status. Belgian law also allows sperm or egg donation. IVF is legal up to 45 years of age and partially reimbursed by social security up to 42 years. 11. Are the treatments painful? Each treatment journey is different, but we do everything possible to make the procedures as comfortable as possible. 12. Can I undergo MAR as a transgender person? Yes, we support all individuals wishing to become parents, regardless of their gender identity or personal situation.