Regular preventive and early diagnosis examinations are the key to this.
Colon cancer is still one of the most common cancers in this country. But it is also a disease that can be prevented: through regular tests for hidden blood in the stool or through colonoscopy. This is referred to in an article in the journal MMW Progress in Medicine.
About every seventh cancer in Germany affects the intestine, one in 20 women and one in 17 men is diagnosed with colon cancer in the course of their life. And many patients still die from this disease. However, it is possible to prevent colon cancer from developing. It starts with lifestyle: even half an hour of physical activity a day lowers the risk of colon cancer. But also giving up smoking and eating a balanced diet with fiber and little red meat contribute to a reduced risk of colon cancer.
In addition, there are the preventive examinations that are offered free of charge to people with statutory health insurance in Germany. From the age of 35 at the latest, according to the scientists, a survey by the family doctor should be used to determine whether there is a family-related increased risk of colon cancer. If this is not the case, the preventive examinations start from the age of 50: For women, initially with the offer of an annual examination of the stool for hidden blood and from the age of 55 with two colonoscopies (colonoscopies) at least ten years apart or stool examinations Blood every two years; in men from 50 years of age with two colonoscopies at least ten years apart or from 50 to 54 years of age with annual and from 55 years of age every two years with stool examinations for hidden blood. Scientists point out that testing for hidden blood in stool only makes sense if it is really repeated every one to two years. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy must follow to clarify the cause.
The colonoscopy can also reveal so-called mucosal polyps, from which colon cancer can develop and which are therefore considered to be precancerous stages. For this reason, the colonoscopy is not only considered an early diagnosis, but also a preventive examination.
If a first-degree relative already has colon cancer, there is an increased familial risk for the disease. It is recommended that those affected have their first colonoscopy ten years before their relative’s age of onset, but at the latest between 40 and 45 years of age. If colon cancer is detected and treated in good time, at an early stage, the prospects for a cure are good.
Those:
Kolligs FT. Colon cancer: avoidance, prevention, early detection. MMW Advances In Medicine 2021; 163 (11): 48-50
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