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Cancer screening colonoscopies could prevent a thousand deaths
According to a new analysis, the colonoscopy in Germany in the years 2008 to 2011 probably prevented more than 25,000 colorectal cancer deaths. According to experts, even more life could be saved if cancer prevention were better utilized.
Early detection can save lives
According to health experts, colorectal cancer is one of the three most common cancers in Germany. Every year about 26,000 people die of it in this country. To protect yourself, from a certain age you should take regular check-ups. This is especially important when it comes to colon cancer cases in the family. Early detection can save lives. This is also shown by a new analysis by scientists of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg.
Colonoscopy has prevented tens of thousands of colorectal cancer deaths in recent years. If cancer prevention were used even better, more lives could be saved. (Image: Wolfilser / fotolia.com) Over 25,000 colorectal cancer deaths prevented
The analysis shows why colonoscopy is so important. As the DKFZ writes in a communication, the colonoscopy (colonoscopy) in Germany in the years 2008 to 2011 probably prevented more than 25,000 colorectal cancer deaths.
The researchers also calculated that colorectal cancer mortality among 55- to 79-year-olds could fall by more than a third if all persons of this age were to undergo the study.
A colonoscopy can prevent the disease: Benign changes that later may be malignant tumors can be removed directly in this study.
Preventive colonoscopy from 55 years
But when should you colonoscopy? On the one hand, colonoscopy is used as a diagnostic procedure, for example to clarify a medical suspicion.
In addition, insured persons from the age of 55 have the right to a screening colonoscopy in the context of cancer screening.
According to experts, it would make sense to aim for a new age limit and recommend colonoscopy as early as 50 years old.
Number of new cases declined
Recent studies have shown that since the beginning of screening in 2002, the number of new cases among over 55 year olds is decreasing.
Scientists around Hermann Brenner at the DKFZ have now determined the influence of colonoscopy on the number of deaths from colorectal cancer.
The epidemiologists calculated data for the period from 2008 to 2011 for both Germany and the US, where there has also been an offer for precautionary colonoscopy since 1998.
In the journal "Gastrointestinal Endoscopy" they report on their results.
Do not be afraid of the examination
"Both countries now have sufficiently high-quality offers for colonoscopy," explains Brenner. "However, the potential of the investigation in the provision is still far from fully exploited."
According to the information, 55 percent of 55- to 79-year-olds in Germany had undergone screening or diagnostic clarification of colonoscopy in the previous ten years. In the US it was up to 60 percent.
"Without the colonoscopy, about 30 percent more people would have died from colorectal cancer in the age group in question," says Brenner. "Moreover, if all individuals of this age had actually used the colonoscopy, the number of colorectal cancer deaths would have been about 37 percent lower."
Incidentally, one does not need to be afraid of a colonoscopy: a colonoscopy is performed under short-term anesthesia.
Avoidable deaths
The risk of dying from colorectal cancer continues to increase until old age. Therefore, among the 70- to 79-year-olds, both the number of potentially preventable deaths and those actually avoided by colonoscopy are highest.
On the other hand, there are significantly fewer cases of colorectal cancer among the 55- to 59-year-olds, but since a colonoscopy was less frequently performed in this age group (46 percent), the investigation could prevent only about one in four deaths here.
The scientists at the DKFZ have already been able to show, in the context of earlier analyzes, that the protective effect of precautionary colonoscopy in Germany is very high due to high quality standards.
Test for hidden blood in the stool
Since April 1, 2017, insured persons can now also use a new immunological test for hidden blood in the stool, which replaces the conventional chemical test and significantly improves the provision of care.
"With consistent use of precautionary services, tens of thousands of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided over the next few years," emphasizes Brenner.
This can best be achieved through an organized preventive program with targeted invitation of the beneficiaries.
The nationwide introduction of such a program has been required for years in the National Cancer Plan and the Cancer Awareness and Registration Act, but is still pending. (Ad)