Amman, Aug. 5 (Petra) -- A study conducted in Spain revealed that the early screening program for colorectal cancer implemented in the Basque Country led to a 50 percent reduction in colorectal cancer mortality among individuals aged 50 to 69.

According to Euronews, the study published on Wednesday analyzed the evolution of the disease over 21 years across a population of approximately 2.2 million residents in the Basque region. The findings showed that the drop in mortality began just three years after the screening program's inception and was sustained over time. Furthermore, the initiative enabled early detection of 70.8 percent of tumors in stages I and II, when recovery rates are significantly higher, and treatments are less invasive.

Led by Dr. Luis Bujanda, the study analyzed mortality data recorded between 2004 and 2024, examining 16,298 cases linked to colorectal cancer. Within the screening program's target demographic those aged 50 to 69 the mortality rate dropped from 39.7 to 19.8 deaths per 100,000 people, marking a 50.1 percent decline.

Across the general population, researchers identified a turning point in 2012, three years after the program's rollout, reinforcing the link between periodic screening and reduced mortality. Researchers estimated that without the early detection system, mortality rates among individuals aged 50 to 69 would have been 46.2 percent higher.

The screening framework utilizes the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a non-invasive screening method designed to detect minute amounts of occult blood in stool, serving as an early indicator of potential cancer or precancerous lesions.

In the Basque region, asymptomatic men and women aged 50 to 69 are offered the test every two years. Individuals with positive results undergo follow-up colonoscopies to confirm the diagnosis. Over the study period, the program identified 4,892 cases of colorectal cancer, with more than seven out of ten diagnosed at stage I or II, where treatment options are most effective and survival rates are markedly higher.

//Petra// AF