More than two million Andalusians have been invited by the Government of Juanma Moreno to participate in the colon cancer screening program, a key preventive strategy to curb one of the diseases with the greatest impact on the population.
Since the program began in 2014, The Andalusian PP government has promoted intense awareness-raising and monitoring efforts., already reaching 98% of the target population, made up of people between 50 and 69 years old. In 2024 alone, more than 5.000 colonoscopies carried out from this screening allowed to detect 73 cancers y 764 premalignant lesions, which if not identified could have evolved into more serious stages.
This effort to prioritize prevention reaffirms the Juanma Moreno's government's commitment to public health. Early detection of colon cancer can cure 90% of cases if detected in early stages or as high-risk lesions. In addition, it reduces mortality by 30% to 35% in the short term.
An effective and expanding cancer prevention model
Colon cancer screening is based on sending a simple and painless test It detects occult blood in feces. If the result is positive, the citizen is called to their health center, where they are informed of the diagnosis and the need for a colonoscopy is assessed.
As of today, they have been sent 2.368.234 invitation letters by the Andalusian Health Service. Of these, 54,18% of recipients have agreed to participate in the process, and 40,61% (961.787 people) has completed it in its entirety.
In 2024, this participation has increased by one point compared to the previous year, although the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs emphasizes that there is room for improvement and continues to promote public awareness about the importance of these tests.
"Every letter that reaches Andalusian homes can be the first step toward saving a life.", recalls the Andalusian Government of the People's Party (PP), which this year has stepped up its messages on the occasion of World Colon Cancer Day.
Results by province and territorial commitment
By province, citizen involvement has been especially high in Huelva (54,61%)followed by Jaén (48,94%), Córdoba (45,14%), Granada (43,64%), Almeria (43,07%) y Seville (41,21%). Instead, Cadiz (39,67%) y Malaga (28,68%) are below the regional average.
These data reflect the impact of the coordinated regional work carried out by Juanma Moreno's government to extend health prevention programs to all corners of Andalusia.
The goal is clear: to reach the entire population at risk for colon cancer, facilitate access to testing, and save lives.
Health education and promotion of protective habits
The Andalusian Government, led by the People's Party (PP), not only works to promote early cancer diagnosis but also actively promotes health education as a fundamental complement to the screening strategy.
A diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, along with regular physical activity, are identified as key protective factors against colon cancer. However, warnings are given about the risks associated with smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and diets rich in processed meats.
The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs is providing citizens with updated informational materials through its digital channels, with clear recommendations on how to adopt healthy lifestyles and reduce risk factors associated with cancer.
A health policy at the service of prevention
The Juanma Moreno administration's approach to health has been recognized for its firm commitment to prevention as a fundamental pillar of the healthcare system. Far from focusing exclusively on hospital care, The Andalusian model prioritizes early detection, citizen awareness, and intervention in the initial stages of serious diseases such as cancer..
The more than two million citizens contacted to participate in colon cancer screening reflect the scope of this health policy, which protects the health of the population and optimizes the resources of the public system.
The Andalusian People's Party (PP) government continues to work to expand participation, reduce access barriers, and promote a culture of self-care that will place Andalusia at the forefront of cancer prevention nationwide.
