Presentation
 

In October 2015 the Population program for early detection of colon and rectal cancer of the Department of Health in the Vallès Occidental. In this region, the Program is coordinated by theParc Taulí Cancer Technical Screening Office. It is aimed at men and women between 50 and 69 years old.

Colon and rectal cancer is the most common in all men and women in Catalonia, with more than 6.000 new cases each year. Colon cancer has a similar frequency in men and women, while rectal cancer is more common in men. Approximately 13.000 men and 14.000 women live with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer in Catalonia.

Colon and rectal cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancer in Catalonia. Survival is higher or lower depending on the stage of tumor evolution at the time of diagnosis.

Early detection of colon and / or rectal cancer has been shown to reduce mortality from this type of tumor..

On cancer of the colon and rectum

What is the function of the colon and rectum?

The colon and rectum is a tubular organ known as the large intestine located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive tract and its function is to absorb water and form and eliminate waste.

The large intestine is not an indispensable organ for living; when necessary, as in the case of a tumor, large portions or the entire intestine can be removed without compromising survival.

How does colon and / or rectal cancer develop?

Most colon and / or rectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps that grow into the lumen of the gut. The presence of polyps is common in the population and only a small percentage progress to cancer.

The average time required to complete this progression is long, probably 10 years or more, which allows for the prevention or early detection of colon or rectal cancer and improve its prognosis.

What signs and symptoms does it give?

There are obvious signs or symptoms that may suggest their presence, in front of which you should consult your doctor:
 

• Red blood on stools
• Changes in bowel habits for more than six weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained tiredness
• Persistent abdominal discomfort

Most of the time, however, the cancer does not produce any obvious signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced. However, polyps, and cancer in the early stages, can bleed intermittently, without this blood being obvious to the naked eye, is what we call 'fecal occult blood'.

Early detection of colon and / or rectal cancer and its importance

The fecal occult blood test makes it possible to identify these small losses that are not visible to the naked eye.

With the help of colonoscopy - which will be done only if necessary, to complete the study - these lesions can be diagnosed early before they produce symptoms, and this is when the treatment has the most guarantees of success both in short as well as long term, improving the prognosis and preserving the quality of life.

Early detection of colon and / or rectal cancer and detection and removal of polyps has been shown to reduce mortality from this type of tumor.

Can other types of prevention be done?

Known risk factors suggest other prevention actions that may decrease the risk of developing colon and / or rectal cancer, such as:

• Regular exercise.
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• A controlled consumption of red or processed meats and animal fats.
• Total abstinence from smoking.
   

How does the Program work?

The Program is addressed to men and women aged 50 and 69 years with a health card, and consists of making, every two years, a simple and comfortable test at home to detect if the stools contain small amounts of blood that are not visible to the naked eye.
 

• When the Program reaches your municipality or area, according to the established schedule, the entire target population receives one at home letter, along with an information leaflet and a list of pharmacies in your area.
   
• They have to wear this one letter to one of the listed pharmacies so that they give him the test and instructions for performing it.
   
• Once the test is done, it should return to the pharmacy. The results of the test will be communicated to you by letter or telephone.
   
• It is important to participate in the Program within the deadlines established for each municipality or area, and which are indicated in the letter.
   

Important aspects of the test
 

• Do not perform the test if you have bleeding hemorrhoids or menstruation until 3 days have passed without blood loss.
   
• Avoid contamination of feces with urine.
   
• It is not necessary to be fasting or follow any diet before performing the test.
   
• Taking medication does not interfere with performing the test.
   
• Do not ingest the liquid from the tube. If the liquid comes in contact with the eyes, mouth or skin, rinse with plenty of water and, if necessary, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
   
• Communicate the loss of the test or any obstacle that has arisen during the performance of the same to the pharmacist, who will tell you how to act, or call directly to the Technical Office of Cancer Screening.
   

Before going to the pharmacy, it is important to contact the Cancer Screening Technical Office if you have: 
 

1. Colon or rectal disease (large intestine) already diagnosed, treated or followed up, more specifically colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma or inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Total colectomy (removal of the colon).

3. Colonoscopy performed in the last 5 years.

4. Digestive symptoms (blood in stools, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain ...) not studied. The study of symptoms should be done by a doctor who should visit the patient and determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests in each situation.

5. Some relatives diagnosed with:

• Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or other polyposis syndromes;

• History of hereditary colorectal cancer not associated with polyposis (Lynch syndrome);

• Two or more first-degree relatives (parents, children and siblings) with colorectal cancer or a first-degree relative (parents, children and siblings) with colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 60.

Attention and location devices
 

Cancer Screening Technical Office (Parc Taulí Health Corporation) - Coordinator of the Program for the early detection of colon and rectal cancer for the whole of the Vallès Occidental

Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Parc Taulí Health Corporation

Digestive Encoscopy Unit of the Terrassa Health Consortium

Digestive Endoscopy Unit of Mútua Terrassa

Deployment calendar in the Vallès Occidental 2015-2017

Technical documentation
 

Guide for town halls. Program for early detection of colon and rectal cancer. Vallès occidental. (January 2016 edition)

Results
 

Here we will publish the results of the Program

News about the Program

Contact

93 745 83 78 i 93 693 31 49

Hours: Mornings, 8.00 a.m. to 14.30:15 p.m. Afternoons, 17 to XNUMX p.m., except Fridays.

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