Above 130,000 self tests have already been made available for colon cancerwhile from what has been known, over 1,000 tests have come back positive.
Clarifications for this positivity rate were given by the president of EINAP, Matina Pagoni early in the morning at MEGA.
The president of EINAP, Matina Pagoni, explained that:
- positive results do not necessarily mean cancer
- in 80% or more cases, positivity may be associated with inflammation
- in case of a positive result, citizens should consult a gastroenterologist.
How to do the free self test
The colon cancer screening program is aimed at all citizens aged 50-69 and have AMKA, whether they are insured or uninsured.
Only those who have already been diagnosed with colon adenomatous polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary bowel cancer are excluded from the program.
The Colon Cancer Prevention Program includes free of charge:
- Self-test supply from a Partner Pharmacy (valid for 4 months)
- Supply of a second self-test (validity period 4 months) from a Partner Pharmacy in case of an invalid result of the first
- Visit to a Gastroenterologist for a clinical evaluation in case of a positive self-test (validity period 2 months)
- Laxative supply from the Collaborating Pharmacy in case of colonoscopy (validity period 2 months)
- Colonoscopy examination by the Gastroenterologist after a positive self-test and his approval (validity period 2 months).
In case of findings during colonoscopy:
- Removal when possible
- Biopsy sampling
- Biopsy (valid for 2 months)
The beneficiaries of the programif they have activated the immaterial prescription, they will gradually receive the immaterial referral for free preventive examinations.
Those who have not activated the immaterial prescription can, using their AMKA, go to any cooperating center in their area (public or private) and make an appointment for the examination of the program at any time, without any financial burden (the cooperating centers can find them on the websites of the programs eg mastografia.gov.gr, testpap.gov.gr etc.).
No prescription is needed, beneficiaries will receive their referral ready and all they have to do is book their appointment, quickly and easily.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: A positive test does not mean cancer
The self-test for colon cancer, within the framework of the National Prevention Program “PROLAMVANO”, was obtained by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a morning visit to a pharmacy in the center of Athens.
“For us it is very important to launch a large program of preventive examinations. As you remember, it started with the “Fofi Births” Program to detect breast cancer – indeed, today is World Breast Cancer Day -, a program which was extremely successful because it allowed us to identify many women who who had early symptoms of breast cancer without knowing it.
At a time when we place so much emphasis on prevention, the continuation of this program for other diseases is of great importance. And here we should say that this test to identify symptoms that may indicate that someone may be a candidate for colon cancer is now available free of charge to all our fellow citizens between the ages of 50 and 69. It is a very easy test. Fellow citizens belonging to this age group have received this message. Don’t ignore it because prevention saves lives.
A positive test does not mean, in any case, that someone has cancer. But, it is an indication so that we can proceed with further tests. I should also emphasize that the whole process is free and covered in case the test is positive”, said the Prime Minister.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was informed by the pharmacist about the conduct of the test and about the citizens’ response to the program.
“We have seen great interest. The picture is very positive. It is typical that they told us that they were thinking about it and now they were motivated by the campaign that is being done and the message they received. Around 100 people have taken it from our pharmacy so far,” said the pharmacist.
The Prime Minister pointed out that “the main message that we have to pass, and we need you as participants in this effort, is to fight fear, because it is a simple test but we are all afraid. And if we learn something we don’t want to know? The answer to this is that the sooner we know something we might have, the better chance we have of dealing with it. And especially for colon cancer, early diagnosis is practically equivalent to a complete cure. So it is very important to promote this program.
And for me it is also the best proof that in the end we must have a state that takes care of citizens and the best care we can provide is to invest in prevention. Always when we think about, you know, health issues, we only think about hospitals. And of course we are making a great effort to improve the quality of the services provided in our hospitals, but the big bet is how we will not reach the hospitals.
The more we invest in prevention and public health, the fewer cases we will ultimately have of our fellow citizens having to go to the hospital, putting their lives at risk or, even if they recover, suffering too much.
So, prevention saves lives. We want you as allies, however, in this great effort.”
“We are trying and I think the response is very positive and will proceed at a rapid pace,” noted the pharmacist.
The colon cancer prevention program is aimed at 3.8 million men and women, aged 50-69, and includes a free self-test (self-diagnostic test) and, if the self-test is positive, a free visit to medical gastroenterologist for clinical assessment, diagnostic colonoscopy and biopsy. To date, referrals have been issued for 1,461,560 beneficiaries.
#positive #VIDEOS #coming
Interview with Matina Pagoni, President of EINAP, on Colon Cancer Self-Testing Program
Editor: Good morning, Matina. Thank you for joining us today. With over 130,000 self-tests for colon cancer now available and over 1,000 positive results reported, can you explain to our audience what these positive results indicate?
Matina Pagoni: Good morning, and thank you for having me. It’s important to clarify that a positive self-test does not automatically mean someone has cancer. In fact, in more than 80% of cases, positive results may be associated with inflammation rather than cancer. This is why we strongly encourage anyone who receives a positive result to consult with a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. So, what steps should a person take if they do receive a positive self-test result?
Matina Pagoni: If an individual tests positive, they should schedule a visit with a gastroenterologist. The screening program covers this visit, as well as any necessary follow-up tests, including colonoscopies. It’s all part of the effort to ensure thorough and free evaluation for those in the age group of 50 to 69 years, which is the primary target for these tests.
Editor: Speaking of the target demographic, could you share how people between ages 50 and 69 can access these tests?
Matina Pagoni: Absolutely. All citizens aged 50-69 can obtain these self-tests for free from partner pharmacies. There’s no cost, and no prescription is needed. Those who have not yet activated their immaterial prescription can go to any cooperating health center to get started. We aim to make this process as easy as possible to encourage participation.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. Can you tell us a little about the broader goals of this program?
Matina Pagoni: The primary goal is prevention. Early detection of potential issues can save lives. Just as our previous programs—like the one for breast cancer—have successfully identified cases early, we aim for the same with colon cancer. We hope this initiative will encourage people to take part in regular screenings, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for our community.
Editor: Encouraging news indeed. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mentioned that this program highlights the importance of preventive health measures. What message would you like to convey to those who have yet to take the test?
Matina Pagoni: I would urge everyone within the targeted age group to consider taking this test. It’s a simple, straightforward process, and while a positive result can be anxiety-inducing, it serves as a critical starting point for necessary follow-up care. Remember, prevention saves lives—let’s take advantage of this opportunity together.
Editor: Thank you so much, Matina, for your insights and commitment to public health.
Matina Pagoni: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep spreading the word about this important initiative!
Ful to hear, Matina. It seems like an important initiative. What are some of the benefits that participants can expect from this colon cancer prevention program?
Matina Pagoni: The program offers several key benefits. Participants receive the self-test free of charge and, if it comes back positive, they are entitled to a free consultation with a gastroenterologist. If further testing is needed, such as a colonoscopy, those costs are also covered. This ensures that individuals have access to comprehensive care without financial burden, which is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
Editor: It sounds like a robust support system. There’s also been mention of the importance of prevention in reducing hospital visits. How do you see this program fitting into the larger picture of public health?
Matina Pagoni: This program is a vital part of our strategy to shift the focus from treatment to prevention. By encouraging screening and early diagnosis, we can identify potential issues before they become more serious. This not only benefits individual health, but it also eases the strain on our healthcare system overall by reducing the number of advanced cases that require intensive treatment.
Editor: That’s a great insight. Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding colon cancer and the self-testing initiative?
Matina Pagoni: I want to emphasize that prevention is key. The self-test is quick, simple, and can be a lifesaver. If you’re within the 50-69 age group, please take advantage of this opportunity. Remember, a positive test does not mean cancer—it’s a signal to pursue further evaluation that can lead to timely actions if needed. Don’t let fear hold you back; early detection greatly improves outcomes.
Editor: Thank you so much for your time, Matina. Your insights are invaluable, and we hope this program encourages many to take proactive steps for their health.
Matina Pagoni: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to spread the word about the importance of screening and prevention.
