Cancer

Tino Arencibia was surprised to learn that over half of those invited to participate in the Canary Islands’ population-based colorectal cancer screening program do not complete the fecal occult blood test. This simple test proved crucial in detecting a tumor that had silently begun to affect his ascending colon. The public health system offered him the opportunity to investigate, and fortunately, he took it.

“For me, the screening was fundamental. I’m not one to proceed to the doctor. In fact, I received the appointment notice and didn’t take it extremely seriously. If it hadn’t been for my wife, who is a healthcare professional and insisted I follow through, my outcome would have been different,” says the 54-year-old from Telde, who is sharing his story to encourage others to take advantage of the opportunity to check the health of their large intestine.

When he took the test, he had no reason to suppose there was a problem. “I had no symptoms. I’m a healthy person with healthy habits, and after the test, I was notified to schedule a colonoscopy. That’s when they detected a tumor that, thankfully, was caught early. I’ve had no side effects and have recovered well from the surgery. Before, I had no symptoms, no pain, but thanks to the screening, I can say I’m well and living a normal life. If I hadn’t gone, perhaps by the time symptoms started, it would have been too late,” he explains.

Early Detection Through Screening

Arencibia’s experience highlights the importance of proactive health management. The process was swift: detection, intervention, and recovery. He recounts receiving a text message on April 27th, inviting him to his health center to learn about the test and collect the kit. He initially forgot to submit the sample after a week, but a reminder from his wife prompted him to contact the health center, where arrangements were made for him to do so. Within a few weeks, he received a call from the Hospital Insular, informing him that blood had been detected in his sample. While assured it could be something minor like hemorrhoids, a colonoscopy was recommended for further investigation. On June 5th, the diagnostic test confirmed the presence of a 6×3 centimeter tumor infiltrating the intestinal walls, requiring surgical removal.

The following days were difficult, but on June 25th, the tumor was removed laparoscopically, a less invasive procedure leading to a quicker recovery. “I was home in eight days and back to a normal life shortly after,” Arencibia shares, grateful that the precancerous lesion was detected in time, avoiding the need for chemotherapy. “If it hadn’t been removed, it would have developed into full-blown colon cancer,” he states with relief.

Advocating for Public Healthcare and Screening Participation

Arencibia strongly urges others to “participate in the screening, take advantage of the healthcare we have, and not question its funding, due to the fact that the well-being and health of all depend on it.” He emphasizes the value of public healthcare, expressing gratitude for the swift and effective care he received. He contrasts this with the potential financial burden of treatment in other countries, stating, “If I were in the United States, I might have died because I probably wouldn’t have had enough money to pay for the treatment. Healthcare should be used; otherwise, many tumors will not be prevented.”

His advocacy comes as participation rates in the Canary Islands’ colorectal cancer screening program remain a concern. In 2025, the Servicio Canario de la Salud (SCS) cited a participation rate of just 38% among the 291,088 people invited to participate, despite nearly doubling the number of invitations compared to the previous year. This translates to only 110,617 individuals completing the test.

Despite the low participation, the program has been successful in detecting disease. During the past year, the SCS detected 67 tumors and 1,148 adenomas, with 667 of the adenomas presenting an intermediate or high risk of developing into colon cancer. Between 2023 and the end of 2024, the screening program identified 123 colon carcinomas, all of which were urgently referred to hospitals for treatment.

Expanding Access and Addressing Disparities

The SCS plans to expand coverage to the entire target population – men and women aged 50 to 69 – in the coming year, addressing existing territorial inequalities in access to screening based on the patient’s basic health area. While screening coverage reaches the entire target population in the smaller islands, it currently stands at around 70% in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with some areas of the capitals excluded. According to Teresa Barata, coordinator of Screening Programs at the SCS, this situation will be rectified throughout the year.

In 2025, the SCS similarly diagnosed 594 cases of breast cancer through its early detection program.

The story of Tino Arencibia serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of early detection and the importance of participating in cancer screening programs. As the SCS continues to expand access and address disparities, This proves crucial for eligible individuals to take advantage of these opportunities to protect their health.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What are your thoughts on the importance of cancer screening programs? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.