In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, more people have recently had tests for early cancer detection. This emerges from an analysis by the health insurance company AOK Nordost and the Cancer Society MV. Accordingly, the participation rate in the various examinations for those with statutory health insurance increased by 6.9 percentage points in 2023 compared to the previous year. The increase was particularly large, with an increase of 13 percentage points, in colonoscopies for colon cancer prevention. The increase in mammography screening for the early detection of breast cancer was 6.4 percentage points.
According to the information, participation in early cancer detection examinations was lower in the wake of the corona pandemic. “Overall, the slumps of the pandemic years, when many people did not go for preventive care for fear of infection, are hopefully finally a thing of the past,” Christian Junghanß, chairman of the MV Cancer Society, was quoted as saying. The appeals to catch up on missed examinations were fruitful.
Focus on skin cancer screening
According to the figures, the participation rate in examinations for the early detection of prostate cancer increased by 3.7 percentage points in 2023 compared to 2022. Only in the early detection of cervical cancer and skin cancer screening are the participation rates still below the 2019 values, despite increases.
“With Cancer Prevention Day on November 28th, we want to call on all insured people to take the recommended preventive examinations,” appealed Maria Albota, a doctor at AOK Nordost. AOK Nordost and the Cancer Society made particular reference to skin cancer screening. Here the participation rates are lowest compared to the other early detection examinations. In MV, only a quarter of eligible insured people took advantage of skin cancer screening in the period from 2021 to 2023, men less often than women.
* What specific “catch-up” campaign strategies were used to increase cancer screening participation rates in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania?
## World Today News: Rising Cancer Screening Rates in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
**Intro**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the encouraging news of increased participation rates in early cancer detection programs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Maria Albota, a physician at AOK Nordost, and Christian Junghanß, Chairman of the MV Cancer Society.
**Section 1: The Pandemic’s Impact & The Post-Pandemic Surge**
* **Host:** Dr. Albota and Mr. Junghanß, thank you for joining us. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room – the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preventative healthcare. Could you elaborate on how the pandemic affected participation rates in cancer screening programs, and what factors contributed to this decline?
* **Host:** We’re heartened to see a significant rebound in participation rates this year. What aspects of the
“catch-up” campaign were particularly effective in encouraging people to resume these vital screenings?
**Section 2: Diverse Screening Trends & Room for Improvement**
* **Host:** The article highlights a significant increase in colonoscopies and mammography screenings. What factors could be driving this particular trend, and are there any specific insights into why these screenings are particularly resonant with the public?
* **Host:** Interestingly, the participation rates for skin cancer screening remain lower compared to other early detection methods. Mr. Junghanß, can you shed light on potential barriers to skin cancer screening uptake, and what strategies could be implemented to address this persistent disparity?
**Section 3: The Importance of Prevention & Individual Responsibility**
* **Host:** Dr. Albota, from a medical perspective, how crucial are early cancer detection programs in improving patient outcomes? What message would you like to convey to our viewers regarding the importance of proactive healthcare and early intervention?
* **Host:** November 28th marks Cancer Prevention Day. What initiatives are planned to raise awareness about cancer prevention and encourage individuals to take charge of their health?
**Conclusion**
* **Host:** Thank you both for sharing your invaluable insights today. It’s clear that raising awareness and encouraging preventative screenings are crucial steps in the battle against cancer. We hope this discussion empowers viewers to prioritize their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.
**Post-Interview Notes:**
This interview structure aims to facilitate a nuanced discussion about the trends reported in the article. It encourages exploration of the underlying causes driving these trends, delves into potential solutions for areas requiring improvement, and emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in cancer prevention.
