Colon cancer is preventable
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Spain — more than 40,000 new cases a year — and affects men and women equally. Yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers: the vast majority of cases originate from polyps, small growths on the colon wall that take 10–15 years to develop into cancer.
That time window is the key. Colonoscopy allows these polyps to be detected and removed before they progress. Screening colonoscopy reduces colon cancer mortality by 60 to 70%. When cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
Who should have a preventive colonoscopy?
Average risk
People aged 45–50 and over with no family history. Screening can start with a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) and, if positive, colonoscopy.
Higher risk
People with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps. Screening should start 10 years before the age of the relative's diagnosis, directly with colonoscopy.
The Barcelona Colorectal Cancer Prevention Programme
Barcelona has had an active municipal screening programme for more than 15 years, covering the entire city with a target population of more than 400,000 people.
- All men and women aged 50 to 69 living in Barcelona are invited.
- Participants collect a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) from their pharmacy — done at home simply and painlessly.
- If the test is negative (the vast majority): repeated every 2 years.
- If blood is detected (fewer than 5% of cases): a colonoscopy is arranged.
If you are aged 50 to 69 and live in Barcelona but have not received an invitation, check with your primary care centre (CAP).
Over 50 and not yet enrolled? Ask at your CAP. If you prefer a direct colonoscopy with a private doctor's referral, call +34 93 219 26 58.
Screening colonoscopy vs diagnostic colonoscopy
Screening colonoscopy
Performed in people without symptoms, based on age or family history. Pure prevention.
Diagnostic colonoscopy
Performed because the patient has symptoms (blood in stools, change in bowel habit, anaemia) or a positive FOBT. Aims to find the cause.
In both cases, if a polyp is found it is removed on the spot (polypectomy). There is no difference in quality or technique.
How often should colonoscopy be repeated?
The frequency of surveillance colonoscopies depends on each individual case. The gastroenterologist or treating physician decides the appropriate interval based on the findings.
Health insurance and coverage
Most private health insurers cover screening colonoscopy with a medical indication. We work with: Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV, Aegon, Allianz, AXA, Agrupació Mútua, Caser, Cigna, Divina Pastora, Línea Directa, Vivaz, HNA, MUSA, MGC, Mutua Granollers, Mutua Manresana and Occident. We also accept self-paying patients.
Frequently asked questions
From age 45–50 without risk factors. With first-degree family history, start 10 years before the relative's age of diagnosis.
Generally not in the early stages — which is why screening is so important. When signs appear (blood in stools, change in bowel habit, weight loss), the disease may be more advanced.
It invites men and women aged 50 to 69 to take a FOBT. Done at home, collected at pharmacies. Only if positive (fewer than 5%) is a colonoscopy arranged.
It is removed during the same procedure (polypectomy), without additional surgery. Sent for analysis; results determine the follow-up interval.
No. A medical referral is always required. Consult a gastroenterology specialist who will assess your case.
Most insurers cover screening colonoscopy with a medical indication. Call +34 93 219 26 58 to enquire.