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Fluorescent stain of an intestinal cancer tissue section. Photo: Lutz Langbein/DKFZ
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Colonoscopy Helps: 100,000 Fewer Cases of Bowel Cancer after only Eight Years
There may be more pleasant appointments,but a colonoscopy can pay out for people as of 55 years of age. This is the conclusion Prof. Dr Hermann Brenner from the German Cancer Research Centre draws after evaluating with his team the nationwide data from the past eight years. Since 2003, around four million people between 55 and 84 years of age have submitted to a colonoscopy in Germany. According to Brenner's calculations, until the end of 2010 the outbreak of cancer of the colon could be prevented in nearly 100,000 patients because the examination revealed suspicious preliminary stages which then could be removed. In nearly 50,000 patients carcinomas were detected, yet which still were well treatable in most cases. Statistically, one in one hundred persons of 55 and older has cancer of the colon and in six of a hundred direct preliminary stages can be found. Since 2002, the health insurance companies therefore finance colonoscopy for people of 55 years and older. However, the offer is hitherto taken up only by a small number of eligible people. In Brenner's opinion, far more cases of bowel cancer could be prevented in Germany, if more people used the offer of early detection. "Judging by international experiences", says Brenner, "this is best achieved by an organised early detection programme with targeted invitations."
