Colon cancer screening in Aragon: only 40% attend the test despite its simplicity and effectiveness

Experts and the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) remind us that the stool test detects invisible lesions and call for improved awareness and access to the program.

Only the 40% of the people of Aragon Those called to participate in the colon cancer screening program undergo early detection testing, a figure far from the 70% recommended by specialists to ensure the system is truly effective. Coinciding with the World Day against Colon CancerAragon has expanded since April the age range for accessing this test, which now goes from 50 to 74 yearsFive more than before. Colon cancer is the third most common tumor in the world and the second leading cause of cancer death, but when detected early it has a survival rate of up to 90%.

The Aljafería Palace hosted the official ceremony this Tuesday, in which the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) asked the Aragonese Parliament to ratify the political commitment made in the previous legislature to create a Comprehensive Aragonese Cancer Plan. Miguel Ángel Sauras, the AECC's regional representative and provincial president in Teruel, explained that they have asked the parliamentary groups to "keep this commitment to patients and their families alive," especially regarding screening programs and comprehensive care for cancer patients. "Expanding screening is a fundamental step to improve survival rates, but we need to strengthen awareness and guarantee the plan's continuity," Sauras emphasized.

A very simple test, but with little participation

The screening test involves a stool sample to detect hidden blood, a quick and non-invasive procedure. However, participation remains low. Many people, Sauras explains, do not attend despite receiving the letter from the public health system.

Angel Lanas, principal investigator of the Translational research group in digestive pathology The IIS Aragón points out that the lack of participation is mainly due to a low awareness, but also to logistical issues: "Sometimes it requires making an appointment or going to the health center during working hours, and that discourages part of the population."

Lanas insists that the test is decisive: of each 100 people Of those who test positive, only three have cancer, but almost half have benign polyps that can be removed before they progress.

Experts emphasize that the risk of colon cancer increases significantly after age 50, which is why screening is concentrated in that age group. They also remind us that gut health is built “from age 20 or 30” with healthy habits, a Mediterranean diet, and a balanced lifestyle. Lanas sums up this idea with a popular saying: “At 50, the waiter comes with the bill.”

Both AECC As experts emphasize, one message is: all people between 50 and 74 years They should get tested when they receive the letter, because it can save lives.

Source: Being Zaragoza