Dr. Casais and the Digestive and Colonoscopy Team Credit: Quirón Salud Málaga
The initiative offers free faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) to individuals over the age of 50.
Prevention and early diagnosis are vital in combating this type of cancer. Aware of this, Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital has launched a free campaign aimed at the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The initiative is targeted at individuals over 50 years old who do not present digestive symptoms, such as visible blood in stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
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As part of the campaign, participants are offered a free faecal occult blood test, the most common and straightforward screening method for early detection of colorectal cancer. This involves collecting a stool sample, which is then analysed for the presence of occult blood using immunological methods.
Who should take the test?
Generally, FOBTs are recommended for patients without intestinal symptoms, while a colonoscopy is advised for individuals with recently developed symptoms (e.g., altered bowel habits, sudden onset of abdominal pain, or visible blood in stool) or a family history of colorectal cancer.
The faecal occult blood test helps detect larger polyps, which can subsequently be removed via colonoscopy to prevent their growth and potential malignant transformation. In this way, colorectal cancer can be effectively prevented.
In most cases, the test results are negative, indicating that no blood was detected, and everything is within normal limits. For individuals without symptoms, it is recommended to repeat the test periodically, typically every two years.
If the test result is positive, it indicates the presence of microscopic traces of blood in the stool. This does not necessarily mean colorectal cancer, as other causes, such as haemorrhoids or benign polyps, may also result in a positive result.
How does the test work?
The faecal occult blood test is a non-invasive procedure designed to quickly and easily detect invisible blood in stool, helping identify potential colorectal lesions.
To take the test, the patient collects a small stool sample using the provided kit and delivers it to the collection point, where specialists will analyse it.
If the test result is positive, Quirónsalud Málaga’s Digestive Health Department guarantees a free consultation with a specialist to review the case in detail. A colonoscopy will then be performed within 10 days at no cost to the patient.
How to participate
You can enrol in the free colorectal cancer screening campaign by calling 626 211 326 or emailing [email protected]. Once registered, you can collect your sample kit at the Clinical Analysis Laboratory and Extraction Centre at Quirónsalud Málaga (Avenida Imperio Argentina, 29).
Additionally, if any patient requires a colonoscopy to further investigate symptoms or rule out the presence of colorectal lesions, a priority pathway will be available to ensure timely access to the study, following a specialist consultation.