Colorectal cancer: the benefits of screening are confirmed

Colorectal cancer: the benefits of screening are confirmed

September 27, 2026

By Pierre Kaldy THE Subscribers

A participation rate of 70% in screening has halved colorectal cancer mortality among 50-69 year olds in the Spanish Basque Country.

colonoscopy

In case of suspicion, colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the presence of precancerous polyps.

STEFAN SAUER/DPA/SIPA

This article is taken from the monthly magazine. Science and Future No. 956, dated October 2026.

In twenty years, colorectal cancer mortality has fallen by a quarter in the Spanish Basque Country following the implementation of disease screening, according to a study by Spanish researchers in the journal Jama Network. Even better, it fell by half in the 50-69 year old population on which this screening was focused.

Colorectal cancer Screening Basque Country Mortality

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