From tomorrow, the 15th of March until the 31st of March, the Regional Health Service (SESARAM) will be carrying out their very first colorectal cancer screening as part of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign, ‘Blue March.’
Colorectal cancer is one of the highest incidences of cancer in Portugal, and data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020, shows that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the country, the first being lung cancer.
In their statement, a spokesperson for SESARAM stated that: “The screening aims to raise the population’s awareness of the importance of detection and early diagnosis of this type of cancer, as the sooner it is detected, the sooner it can be treated.”
This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Regional Centre of the Portuguese League Against Cancer, the Research Nucleus Dra. Isabel Mendonça and several SESARAM services including, the General Surgery Service; the Clinical Pathology Service, the Gastroenterology Service, Health Centre General and Family Medicine, and nursing teams.
For further information with regards to the campaign please email rastreiocolorretal@sesaram.pt or phone 966 432 214.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
