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Early detection of colon cancer


Colon cancer is the most common malignant tumour in Spain. More than 25,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. When colon cancer is detected early, there is a 90% chance of cure.

If there is no personal or family history that implies a greater risk of developing colon cancer, it is advisable to have a check-up from the age of 50 aimed at the prevention and early diagnosis of colon cancer, both in men and women. Do not delay.

Request your appointment with the digestive tract service through the web 
or 91 277 72 20

Fecal occult blood test (TSOH)-a stool sample is examined to identify traces of blood that are invisible to the naked eye. If the test result is positive, the study is completed with a colonoscopy to visualize the origin of the bleeding. If blood is seen in the stool, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a painless test performed with sedation at MD Anderson Madrid. It consists of examining the mucous membrane of the colon using a colonoscope. The process involves a previous preparation based on the cleaning of faeces from the intestinal tract to be explored. The colonoscopy lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, during which biopsies can be taken or polyps resected.

Colon polyps are protrusions on the mucosal surface of the colon, usually slow-growing. Not all polyps will necessarily lead to colon cancer, although the vast majority of malignant tumors have a polyp as their precursor. Colonoscopy allows the same test to detect and eliminate these lesions to prevent the appearance of colon cancer or treat it early.

Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. Most colon cancers begin as a polyp, a small, noncancerous mass in the wall of the colon that can increase in size and turn into cancer. As polyps grow, they can bleed or block the intestine.

Symptoms include

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement
  • Prolonged diarrhea
  • Change in the shape or size of stool
  • Abdominal pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
  • Sensation of discomfort or urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have a bowel movement
  • Reducing your risk of colon cancer

You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer, including

  • Eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
  • Limit fat intake to no more than 30% of total daily calories
  • Exercising regularly
  • Staying at your ideal weight
  • Stop Smoking
  • Limit alcohol consumption