Colorectal cancer: early detection saves lives

The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the greater the chances of recovery. Improvements are now being made to statutory cancer screening. In future, men will be entitled to a colonoscopy five years earlier, i.e. from the age of 50.

via Sabrina

02/28/2019, 11:15

Künftig sollen Versicherte im entsprechenden Alter eine Einladung zur Darmkrebsvorsorge erhalten. — In future, insured persons of the appropriate age will receive an invitation to a bowel cancer screening.

Darmkrebs lässt sich mit einem gesunden Lebensstil vorbeugen. — Bowel cancer can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.

Do you have questions about bowel cancer? On March 7 and 8, 2019, doctors will be answering all questions on the topic in a nationwide telephone campaign.

The statutory services for the prevention and early detection of bowel cancer are still underutilized. For example, only 20 to 30 percent of insured persons of the relevant age take advantage of screening. It has been calculated that 180,000 cases of bowel cancer could be prevented in the first ten years after its introduction with the help of this measure. This is because this type of cancer usually develops from slow-growing preliminary stages, known as adenomas. These can be removed directly during a colonoscopy.

Some innovations are now intended to encourage screening

In addition to the entitlement to a colonoscopy from the age of 50, insured persons are expected to be invited in writing by health insurance companies for colorectal cancer screening from July 2019. The aim of the changes: More people should take advantage of the offers - to maintain their health.

Telephone campaign for bowel cancer month

As part of a nationwide telephone campaign by the Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center and the LebensBlicke Foundation, doctors will be answering all questions relating to bowel cancer on March 7 and 8, 2019 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., telephone 0800-420 30 40, free of charge).