Colorectal cancer screening for over 55s

The Health Bureau (SSM) has started a campaign to screen for early signs of colorectal cancer in residents aged 55 to 69 years old, the SSM has said.

The ongoing program targets residents who meet certain conditions.

Besides being born between 1955 and 1969 and being Macau residents (permanent or non-permanent), those who have not had a colonoscopy in the last five years and who have not conducted a fecal occult blood test in the last two years are eligible for a screening.

Those who have had the condition or have already been diagnosed are excluded from the program.

Those who meet the conditions, can book their screening via the website (www.ssm.gov.mo/coloncancer) or go in person to the healthcare center in their residential area.

More information about the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is available on the mentioned website.

According to the SSM, the screening program was first launched in November 2016.

By Dec. 31, 2023, 27,092 residents had registered. Of those, 23,350 had already completed the fecal occult blood test, free of charge.

From this group, 2,680 people produced a positive test and were subsequently referred for a government-funded colonoscopy at a private medical institution.

The SSM also noted that to date, of the 2,457 people who had a colonoscopy, 139 were eventually diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with most cases diagnosed early and being transferred for treatment and follow-up.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Macau, ranking second among the top 10 cancers with the most incidence and cause of death.

The SSM said that, due to Macau’s aging population and unbalanced diet, the number of colorectal cancer cases is expected to continue to increase.

Colorectal cancer can develop in anyone and at different stages of life but occurs more frequently in people aged 60 years and over due to the entering the period in which cells in the colorectal mucosa become polyps, and subsequently can turn cancerous.

This process can take up to 10 years to occur and that is why is important to have early detection to prevent the development.