The Provincial Colorectal Cancer Program’s coordinator, María Emilia Yarade, said on March 31 that all laboratories in Jujuy now provide tests for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Yarade said, “Cada 31 de marzo conmemoramos el Día Mundial de Lucha contra el Cáncer Colorrectal(CCR), jornada para reforzar la sensibilización de la comunidad, especialmente en la prevención ya que se trata de uno de los tumores con mayor probabilidad de curación.”
Yarade explained that the program is actively working at Hospital Zabala in Perico and is being implemented at Hospital Pablo Soria and CEPAM. She also noted that any physician can request a fecal occult blood test at any laboratory in the province. “El fecatest es simple, rápido, seguro, indoloro y permite con una pequeña muestra de material fecal, detectar lesiones tempranas como pólipos e iniciar con el abordaje adecuado según el caso particular,” Yarade said.
Colorectal cancer often develops slowly from precursor lesions called adenomatous polyps over a period of 10 to 15 years. Regular screening can prevent the disease before symptoms appear and increase chances of cure if detected early.
Most people with colorectal cancer may experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, abdominal pain, general fatigue or iron deficiency without specific signs at first. About three out of four cases occur in individuals without personal or family history of the disease.
Yarade highlighted that regular screening is important for those over age 50 or those with risk factors such as family history or inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Early consultation is recommended if individuals notice changes in bowel habits or other related symptoms.
Healthy habits including a diet high in fiber from fruits and vegetables, reduced consumption of red meat and animal fats, regular physical activity and limiting alcohol intake are also advised to help prevent colorectal cancer.
