The Ministry of Health in Jujuy has introduced a new Provincial Strategy for Colon Cancer Detection at the Centro Provincial de Adultos Mayores (CEPAM). The initiative focuses on early detection through free fecal occult blood tests for individuals aged 50 and older.
During the presentation, Gustavo Bouhid, Minister of Health for Jujuy, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis. “Early detection saves lives, allows us to act in time and ensures proper follow-up from the health system,” Bouhid said.
Specialists provided information about colon cancer during a session aimed at CEPAM users. The strategy enables eligible individuals to pick up a test kit, collect a small stool sample at home, and submit it to the CEPAM laboratory for biochemical analysis.
Bouhid encouraged community members to share this opportunity with family and neighbors. He invited more people to participate in preventive care by taking advantage of the public health service.
Fernanda Peynado, Secretary of General Health Coordination, emphasized the prevalence and treatability of colon cancer. “Colon cancer is the second most common in our country and 9 out of 10 people diagnosed can be cured if we detect the disease early,” Peynado stated.
She explained that no special preparation is needed for the test: “In this case, to perform the test without prior preparation, we collect a little stool sample at home at any time of day and then leave it at the CEPAM Laboratory. If the result is negative, the study is repeated only after two years; if positive, further studies are conducted and individual follow-up begins.”
The program allows anyone aged 50 or older to access free testing. Participants must collect their sample container from CEPAM, take their sample at home, and deliver it to the laboratory located at Alvear 1152 in San Salvador de Jujuy between Monday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
