Colon or colorectal cancer is a tumor disease that occurs in the large intestine and rectum. It is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence in Spain among men and women with about 30,000 new cases per year. The main risk factor for development is age: more than 90% of cases are diagnosed in people over 50 years of age.
Prevention and early detection are the fundamental weapons in the fight against colon cancer, which in 70% of those affected appears with no family history. Early detection programs using fecal occult blood tests reduce mortality by a third, which could save more than 3,600 lives a year. In addition, these screening programs allow the diagnosis and treatment of precursor cancer lesions, which can also reduce their incidence.
The AECC has repeatedly urged the autonomous communities to improve the situation of screening programs, which are fundamental in detection.
To raise awareness of the need to participate in the program for early detection of colon cancer, the AECC has launched a campaign called “I can save your life“Starring a successful emoticon: the famous shit of WhatsApp.
On March 31, on the occasion of the World Day Against Colon Cancer, the AECC will participate in the Public Mirror program to raise awareness of the importance of early detection.