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More than 213,000 Madrid residents access colon cancer tests at their pharmacy
Madrid strengthens early detection of colon cancer with a key change in access to tests. In just four months, more than 213,000 people have collected kits from pharmacies within the Prevecolon programme, promoted by the Ministry of Health and the Official College of Pharmacists of Madrid.
The model simplifies the process: it is enough to go to the pharmacy with the active prescription on the health card. The measure has made it possible, in just a few months, to exceed the volume of tests carried out during much of the previous year, integrating prevention into the daily routine.
The pharmacy network has been key to this leap. 96.5% of pharmacies in the region take part in the programme, making access easier for people aged between 50 and 69 without the need to travel or face long waits.
In addition to providing the kit, pharmacists support people through the process. They explain how to collect the sample, remind them of the importance of storing it correctly and advise them on handing it in at the health centre. This direct support reduces barriers and increases participation.
The test can detect hidden blood in stools, a key indicator for identifying the disease in its early stages. In these cases, the chances of a cure exceed 90%, making prevention an essential tool within the healthcare system.
It is now easier to access preventive tests without leaving the local area, which increases participation in health campaigns. The pharmacy becomes a key place not only to buy medicines, but also to detect problems in time. This change reduces delays and facilitates earlier diagnoses, with a direct impact on residents’ health.