Quirónsalud Málaga launches ‘Colonofast’: A new rapid-access colonoscopy programme for suspected colorectal cancer

The initiative aims to give patients with symptoms of the most common form of cancer in Canada rapid access to diagnostic tests.

Hospital Quirónsalud Málaga has introduced Colonofast, an innovative healthcare programme aimed at drastically reducing diagnosis times for potential colorectal cancer. The initiative ensures that patients with symptoms can have a colonoscopy no later than seven days after requesting it.

“The goal is to accelerate the diagnosis as much as possible for patients with symptoms,” explains Dr César Ramírez, Head of General Surgery.

The high pressure on healthcare and delays in diagnosis are major obstacles when it comes to high-incidence tumors. Consequently, the General and Digestive Surgery Department, led by Dr Ramírez, and the Digestive System Department, headed by Dr Luis Casáis, have joined forces to create this streamlined diagnostic circuit. This initiative compliments the hospital’s existing free faecal-occult blood testing campaign, underscoring their commitment to health promotion and prevention.

A clinical challenge in healthcare

The primary concern for health in Spain is colorectal carcinoma. According to “Cancer Statistics in Spain 2026”, a report from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology and REDECAN (SEOM), over 300,000 cancer diagnoses will be expected across the country this year. The most common cancer is colorectal, which has more than 44,000 cases. This leads both in terms of incidence and impact on public health.

In the province of Málaga, data from the Andalusian Society of Medical Oncology (SAOM) suggests that approximately 11,000 residents will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2026. The most common cancers in the region are colon and rectal tumors.

A colonoscopy will diagnose colon cancer. “Patients with suggestive symptoms must access this test as soon as possible to avoid delaying a potential diagnosis,” insists Dr Luis Casáis.

Colonofast – A simple, fast and accessible circuit

Colonofast was designed to help patients with chronic anaemia and rectal bleeding. The programme is open to anyone with a family history of colorectal carcinoma and any associated clinical concerns.

Patients can activate the circuit themselves, giving them immediate access.

How it works

• Contact: Patients can reach out via phone or WhatsApp +34 679 622 762 or email colonofast.mlg@quironsalud.es providing their personal details and symptoms.
• Rapid Response: Within a 24-hour period, a patient will receive an appointment to undergo a consultation and pre-operative tests. They will also be given instructions on preparation, anaesthesia assessment and anaesthesia assessments.
• The procedure: The colonoscopy will be performed between the Monday and the Friday following the request.

If the results were clear, there is no need for further follow up. After removing low-risk polyps, the patient will receive a call to discuss the biopsy results within 15 days. When cancer is suspected in a patient, they and their family will be informed immediately and a prioritised appointment is set up to begin treatment right away.

With this launch, Hospital Quirónsalud Málaga reinforces its commitment to high-quality, patient-centred medicine, offering the local community peace of mind through immediate access to life-saving diagnostic tools.