The Hospiten Group is holding an open-doors event to help prevent colon cancer, which can be cured in 90% of cases if detected in time.
The Canary Islands, March 21 2016: Around 90% of colon and rectal cancer cases are curable if detected in time, before the disease reaches the more advanced stages. For that reason, the Hospiten Group has organized an open-doors event to explain how to prevent the disease and which includes a free fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
The early diagnostic test can be done on March 31 and April 1 is open to everyone over 50, or 40 if there is a history of colon cancer in the family, making an appointment through our call center or at reception in any of the Hospiten centers in the Canary Islands. Those wishing to the test should bring three stool samples.
Colon cancer is caused by the formation of malignant cells inside the colon, which, in most cases, start out as generally benign polyps, but may become cancerous in time.
This type of cancer is the third most common among men and the second most common among women. There are usually no symptoms until the cancer is in an advanced stage, when the most common signs are changes in the bowel movement, fecal blood, unexplained weight loss, anemia and abdominal pain.
It is therefore recommended that everyone over 50 should consult their doctor for screening. Furthermore, in the case of those whose family has a history of polyps or colon cancer, there should be regular monitoring over 40 years of age.
There are three tests to detect colon cancer in the early stages, depending on age and on each patient’s medical history. In the case a fecal occult blood test be positive, a conventional colonoscopy should be carried out.
In addition to having regular check-ups, preventive measures for colon cancer are recommended, such as drinking at least 2 liters of waters a day, having a fiber-rich diet low in saturated fat and animal protein, eating at regular times, avoiding heavy meals, getting enough sleep and doing daily physical exercise.