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New age limit Starting at 50 for colonoscopy
Statutory health insurance in Germany is entitled to colonoscopy for the early detection of colorectal cancer from the age of 55 years. The results of a new study suggest, however, that the routine routinely makes sense from the age of 50, especially for men.
One of the most common cancers
In Germany, around 26,000 people die each year from colon cancer. 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. But when should you colonoscopy? A new study suggests lowering the age limit from 55 to 50 years.
In Germany, statutory health insurance from the age of 55 is entitled to colonoscopy for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Researchers recommend lowering this age limit. (Image: Wolfilser / fotolia.com) A colonoscopy can save lives
Health experts repeatedly point out why colonoscopy is so important. It is extremely effective in cancer prevention and can save lives.
In 2002, the screening colonoscopy was included in the cancer screening program of the statutory health insurance. Since then, insured persons from the age of 55 years are entitled to the examination, in which any detected precancerous lesions can be removed immediately.
The rate of colorectal cancer has since dropped significantly - and only in the age group to which the screening is offered, reports the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in a recent release.
Cancer prevention from 50 years
"In the first decade, more than four million people have participated in a screening colonoscopy. According to our calculations, this has prevented around 180,000 colon cancer cases, "said Hermann Brenner from the DKFZ.
The Heidelberg prevention expert and colleagues are looking for ways to further improve this rate.
According to the communication, colorectal cancer is extremely rare in people with no family history before the age of 50. Thereafter, however, the incidence rate increases continuously. National and international guidelines therefore recommend cancer screening as early as 50 years old.
"Through the cooperation with the AOK Baden-Württemberg, the Bosch BKK and MEDI Baden-Württemberg we had the first opportunity to examine in a large population group, which results can be achieved with the offer of screening colonoscopy from 50 years, explained Brenner.
Colon cancer precursors discovered and ablated
According to the information, a total of 84,726 insured persons of the AOK Baden-Württemberg between the ages of 50 and 54 received a personal invitation to undergo an early-detection colonoscopy in 2014 and 2015.
According to this, only persons who had not undergone colonoscopy in previous years, who did not suffer from cancer and who were enrolled in the AOK family doctor or specialist program, were invited.
In the total of 1,396 studies, colon cancer or colon cancer precursors, so-called advanced adenomas, were detected and ablated in 6.8 percent of the cases.
Distinct difference between the sexes
According to the researchers, the study revealed a clear difference between the sexes: While in only 4.5 percent of women in this age group colon cancer or precursors were found, they occurred in men almost twice as often with 8.6 percent.
That is, the doctors discovered a suspicious tissue change on every twelfth examination of men between 50 and 54 years old. In women of this age group, however, 22 colonoscopies would have to be performed in order to detect a relevant finding.
"Colorectal cancer and its precursors are even more common in men of this age group than in 55- to 69-year-old women, for whom colonoscopy naturally belongs to the cancer screening program. This is a convincing reason to routinely offer the age limit for screening colonoscopy, at least in men as young as 50, "said Brenner. (Ad)