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A few days ago the

World Day Against Colon and Rectal Cancer

was celebrated .

It may not sound like much to you or you may not have been aware of the celebration, since this type of cancer is not as popular as others despite being the most frequent tumor in our country.

The Spanish Society of Oncological Medicine estimates that, in 2022,

more than 43,000 new cases will be diagnosed in Spain

.

If we divide by sex, it is only surpassed by prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.

On the day you read this article, some 118 people will be told they have it.

Fortunately,

caught in time, the cure rate is 90%

... But to catch it in time, it is essential to take a test.

What test is it?

From something as simple as a fecal occult blood test.

A test that, for a few years,

the autonomous communities have incorporated into their health plans

for the population in the form of mass screening.

It only costs 2 euros, although it will be free for you and can save your life.

What does it consist of?

It is a test that does not have any type of risk, it is carried out without an appointment or waiting, and in a simple and painless way.

Typically, if you decide to participate, you are given

a small kit that usually includes a tube-shaped container, a small spatula, and an envelope to store the sample

.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids with active bleeding or are menstruating, you should not collect the sample as this blood could alter the result.

How do I collect the stool sample?

Place a paper covering the toilet so that the feces are deposited on it and do not fall to the bottom.

Then

pick up a small amount with the spatula, put it in the tube, close well and shake.

If you cannot take the sample to your health center immediately, you can keep it in the refrigerator at home for a maximum of three days.

Should I do anything the days before the sample collection?

Nothing special.

Continue with your normal life, since you

do not need to eat a different diet

or take any drugs to undergo this screening.

Why do Spaniards refuse to be tested?

It is something inexplicable.

Some allege that due to ignorance, others for fear of testing positive and others for shame.

But the reality is that,

according to data from the Spanish Association Against Cancer, only 47% of Spaniards who can participate in screening do so

.

A figure far removed from the 76% in the Netherlands or even the 54% in the UK.

Probably the fact that it is not a tumor as mediatic as others means that its prevention is not given the importance that its prevention really has.

By gender, men participate less than women.

data by community

Navarrese and Basques are the ones who are most encouraged to participate in these colorectal cancer screenings

, specifically 73% and 72% of the target population do so, respectively.

At the other extreme we have Andalusians, with a shameful 19%, followed by Canarians with 32% and Castilian Manchegos with 33%.

In general they are bad numbers.

Who should get tested?

These screenings are aimed at

men and women between 50 and 69 years of age

.

This range has been chosen because they are the ones who are most at risk of developing this tumor.

What happens if I test positive?

A positive fecal occult blood test

does not mean that you have colon or rectal cancer

.

This blood can come from an internal hemorrhoid, a fissure, an intestinal polyp... But to find out and clear up any doubts, you

will be scheduled for a colonoscopy at the hospital

.

What if I test negative?

In that case, you will have to repeat the screening after two years.

Can I have a fecal occult blood test at any age?

Completely.

If your doctor deems it appropriate, you can undergo this simple test even if you are under 50 or over 69.

Conforms to The Trust Project criteria

Know more

  • Colon cancer

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