A total of 139 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases have been identified during a screening programme by the Health Bureau (SSM) since late 2016, according to the bureau’s statement on Saturday.
According to an SSM statement, the screening programme was launched in November 2016, when residents born between 1947 and 1956 were eligible. The statement said that until yesterday over 23,350 people have been tested.
The statement added that those who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer were mostly early-stage cancer, and have been clinically referred for treatment and follow-up.
According to the statement, 2,680 people tested positive in a free faecal immunochemical test (FIT), a screening test for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. A total of 2,457 had a subsidised colonoscopy, with 139 of them being diagnosed with CRC, also known as colon or bowel cancer, the statement noted.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Macau, ranking second among the top 10 cancers of occurrence and death, and is most common in people aged 60 or above, the statement said.
In the statement, the Health Bureau announced that it has launched a new stage of colorectal cancer screening programme for residents aged between 55 and 69, i.e., those who were born between 1955 and 1969. Those eligible can make an online booking for screening on the special website at www.ssm.gov.mo/coloncancer.
This poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) on Saturday provides details of its newly-launched screening programme.
