The health network performs Fecal Occult Blood Test to people over 45 years of age with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, March 11, 2025. Hospiten launches the tenth edition of its annual campaign on the prevention and detection of colon cancer. On the occasion of International Colon Cancer Day, which takes place on March 31, the hospital network will carry out a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) free of charge for people over 45 years of age, with the aim of raising awareness among the population that early diagnosis should be part of their health habits.

For this purpose, fecal occult blood tests will be carried out in all hospitals in Spain. Those who decide to take the test can make an appointment online or through the Hospiten app . On March 26 and 27, they can go to the selected center during the assigned hours to submit their samples, which will be analyzed in the laboratory.

Following the launch of this new edition of this campaign by Hospiten, the Digestive System specialist, Dr. Katherine Bustamante, explains that the probability of survival can be multiplied by six with early detection and up to 90% of patients can be cured if they are detected early. "In this sense, early detection is also fundamental because of its decisive role in reducing the number of cases and deaths caused by colon and rectal cancer," she adds.

What does the Fecal Occult Blood Test consist of?

The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a more frequent and simpler screening test for the early detection of colon cancer that allows the detection of polyps of a certain size and is performed on the population who do not present digestive symptoms (manifest blood in stool, abdominal pain, change in intestinal rhythm, etc.). This system is characterized by the collection of a stool sample which is evaluated for occult blood by immunological methods. In many cases, a colonoscopy is performed in those patients who have new-onset symptoms (altered bowel rhythm, new-onset abdominal pain or visible blood in the stool) or a family history of colon cancer.

"According to data for 2025, colorectal cancer remains the most frequent tumor diagnosed in Spain, with some 44,573 new cases. In men, it is the second most common cancer after prostate cancer, with 27,224 new cases, while in women it is second only to breast cancer, with 17,349 people affected," explains the Hospiten specialist.

This type of cancer is usually detected late, but nearly 90% of colon and rectal cancers could be cured if detected early, before the disease reaches its most advanced stages. In this sense, it is estimated that one out of every sixteen people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime and in recent years the survival rate for this type of cancer has increased from 50 to 60%, hence the importance of prevention.

To prevent it, experts recommend the acquisition of healthy dietary habits, to continue with a diet low in phrases, rich in vegetables, fruits, calcium and vitamin D, and to reduce the consumption of red meat. However, it is also essential to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise, avoiding being overweight, smoking and moderating alcohol intake.

Collection of results

In order to make the population aware of the importance of going to the doctor for tests and to contribute to their detection, Hospiten invites people who are interested in collaborating in this prevention campaign to take this non-invasive test in which they will be informed on how to prevent this type of cancer.

From April 4, they will be able to consult their results through the Hospiten app or pick them up at the centers for those patients who have not downloaded the app. If the result is positive, the patient will be notified by the hospital to arrange a free consultation with the Hospiten Digestive specialist.

This year there will also be a talk, open to the general public, on colon cancer prevention at the Tenerife Journalists Association (AP) on March 17. Dr. Katherine Bustamante, Digestive specialist at the Hospiten Bellevue University Hospital, and a psychologist from the Spanish Association Against Cancer, Tamara Hernandez Baute, will participate in this event.

This article is an English translation generated with AI from the original Spanish content. While we review content for clarity, the information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.