Colorectal cancer will be the most diagnosed tumor

He colorectal cancer is now positioned as the second person responsible for the highest number of deaths from cancer worldwide, only behind the lung. In Spain, the figures for 2026 are a call to action: it is estimated that will be the most diagnosed tumor with 44,132 new cases. For men, it represents the second most common after prostate cancer, and for women, the second most common after breast cancer.

Although experts warn of an increase in cases in those under 50 years of age, Chronological age remains an important factor. Therefore, the focus remains on the senior population, where accumulated lifestyle habits and monitoring of screening programs are vital.

A testimony of life: “We must talk about it without fear”

To understand the reality behind the data, we have the testimony of Susana Silva, 61 years old. Diagnosed in 2024, Susana is today a survivor who follows her quarterly check-ups with optimism. His experience underscores the importance of normalizing the disease:

“You have to talk about it, not be afraid. Cancer is there, but today fortunately there are solutions for a lot. We can’t stop consulting it for fear of what they will think or because we look like weirdos; “should be spoken of as naturally as the flu.

After overcoming the operation and treatment, Susana highlights how her perspective has changed: “My life has a before and after. Now I enjoy my daughters and my husband to the fullest, and I don’t make very long-term plans; if I want to go to Valencia for the weekend to eat a paella, I do it now.”

Risk factors and the power of early detection

”The prevention of colorectal cancer has two fundamental pillars that depend on us: having a healthy lifestyle with a Mediterranean diet and moderate exercise and, on the other hand, early diagnosis, Therefore, it is essential to participate in screening programs for this type of tumor,” comments Dr. Maria Carmen Riescomedical oncologist at October 12 Hospital from Madrid.

Precisely to promote prevention, Merck, a science and technology company, promotes #ListenToYourColona campaign that has the endorsement of the Sandra Ibarra Foundationand which takes a team of walkers to the streets of Madrid to inform and raise awareness among the population about the symptoms associated with this type of cancer: presence of blood in the stool, changes in intestinal rhythm or unexplained weight loss, fatigue or tiredness and persistent abdominal discomfort 5.

Furthermore, during the tour, the walkers have encouraged passers-by to carry out the online symptom test that Merck has available on its website. This simple tool allows you to evaluate the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer and, based on the answers, suggests the steps to follow, referring to the primary care doctor or specialist if necessary and without attempting to provide a diagnosis.

In line with the company’s commitment, Macarena Lopez, director of the Merck Oncology Unit in Spainhighlights the purpose behind this activation: “At Merck we understand that our responsibility goes beyond the development of treatments; we have the duty to promote health education. With #ListenATuColon we want to put useful tools in the hands of citizens, such as our online symptom test, which acts as a preliminary triage. We want the population to lose the fear of consulting and understand that information is always the best prevention.”