2023-09-07 09:40:00
This week a campaign by the Government of Aragon with the Spanish Association against Cancer was launched to encourage participation in the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Programme.
The objective of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is the detection and removal of precancerous polyps in the colon and rectum to prevent their development towards the formation of malignant tumors or the detection of these in early stages of evolution.
In this way, not only can colorectal cancer be diagnosed early and treated in its initial stages of evolution, where survival is much higher, but the appearance of the disease itself can even be avoided.
This program is based on carrying out a fecal occult blood test (FOB) every 2 years and is aimed at people residing in Aragon between the ages of 50 and 69. This test focuses on detecting non-obvious or occult blood in the stool. In this way, lesions can be detected in the colon or rectum that would otherwise not be detected until the disease was much more advanced, when the possibilities of treatment and cure would be lower.
It is a simple and non-invasive test; All people can take the sample at their own home, and later take it to their Health Center to analyze the results.
If the result is negative: If there is no sign of blood in the test result, it is unlikely that you have colorectal cancer. In this case, after two years, they will again propose that the test be repeated. Still, if you have discomfort, you should consult your doctor.
If the result is positive: if the test result shows signs of blood, it is likely that you have a benign lesion (polyp), and in some cases, it may be due to cancer. Given this possibility, you will be offered a colonoscopy, which is an examination of the interior of the intestine that is performed with sedation and has a low risk of complications.
Does testing positive for fecal occult blood (FOB) mean you have cancer? No, since as its name indicates, the test only verifies the presence of blood in the stool. This can be due to many reasons, in addition to the presence of cancer, such as the presence of intestinal polyps, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.
Most polyps detected are benign, but in a small percentage they can turn into cancer. For this reason, if found, they are removed during the colonoscopy.
If colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a better chance of curing the disease. In this case, the most appropriate treatment can be offered in the shortest possible time.
If you are between 50 and 69 years old, you will receive a letter inviting you to participate in the Program, with the instructions you must follow to take the test. DON’T HESITATE, PARTICIPATE! IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
Thanks to B Vocal for their generous collaboration and to the Teatro Principal de Zaragoza for providing the facilities.
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