The Cancer Screening Unit (UCC) is dedicated to the implementation, management, and evaluation of population-based screening programs.

Who we are

We are a multidisciplinary team of ICO professionals who are dedicated to the organization and management of the screening programs that are underway and to evaluative research and the search for new screening strategies.

Although they do not depend directly on our unit, professionals from other institutions collaborate with us, such as radiologists, radiology technicians, gastroenterologists, nurses, primary care professionals and pharmacists.

Objective

  • Detect incipient tumors in the population in order to reduce cancer mortality.
  • Tumors whose prognosis can be improved with early detection strategies.

Types of cancer we are facing

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Tot aquell càncer que pugui ser tractat Any cancer that can be successfully treated in time thanks to early detection.satisfactòriament a temps gràcies a una detecció precoç.

In addition, we have professionals who are mainly dedicated to evaluative research and the search for new screening strategies.

Lines of research

  • The study of barriers and facilitators of adherence to screening programs.
  • Quantification of adverse effects in order to provide balanced information on the benefits and risks of cancer screening.
  • The variability of results between screening centers.
  • Developing and offering shared decision-making tools that take into account risks and benefits so that the patient has all the necessary knowledge when making a decision.
  • Application and use of new communication technologies to improve the service in aspects of communication of clinical information, patient appointments and ecology.

What milestones has the unit achieved?

  • Advice on screening in other countries and institutions.
  • Leading the development of software to support prevention programs and the application of new technologies to communication with the target population.
  • Becoming a teaching unit to provide continuing education and facilitate the accreditation of professionals working in screening programs.

Future challenges

  • Research into new early detection strategies that can benefit the prognosis of other types of cancer, such as lung cancer. In this case, we are considering an approach to prevention based on a combination of primary and secondary prevention at different stages of life.
  • Explore risk personalization methods with which to make decisions based on the individual risk of each case and adopt personalized screening strategies.

Our commitment is to reduce the impact of cancer by facilitating early diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, we must ensure accessibility to testing, continuity and quality throughout the process

Gemma Binefa – Head of Unit

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