This quarter, individuals aged 70 have started being incorporated into the program, with participation progressively extending to those up to 74 by 2030. The rollout will be gradual over the coming months, following the established schedule for each Basic Health Area.
This measure, being implemented across Catalonia, aims to detect more cases in early stages and reduce the impact of the most common tumor in Catalonia. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and the balance between benefits and risks favors screening for this new age group.
The target population receives an invitation letter with a simple fecal occult blood test. In Lleida, the kit must be collected from the local CAP (primary care center) or clinic, the sample returned, and if the test is positive, a colonoscopy will be scheduled. In the Pirineu regions, the kit arrives with the letter and can be returned to the CAP, clinic, or pharmacy.
If the occult blood test is positive, a colonoscopy will be performed. In most cases, detecting blood does not mean cancer, as many findings are benign or pre-neoplastic lesions that can be removed during the colonoscopy itself.
The invitation letter for the program is sent every two years. Participation is key to successful prevention, alongside a healthy lifestyle: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in daily physical activity, following a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption.
