Good news – both options for colon cancer screening after age 50 are similarly effective. You can choose from:
- an immunological stool test for blood in the stool every two years
- up to two colonoscopies ten years apart
Prerequisite, so to speak Colon cancer What can be avoided, however, is regular participation in the examinations.
Model: More than 80 percent of colon cancer-related deaths could be prevented
The research team found out in detail using model calculations: Up to 75 percent of colon cancer cases and more than 80 percent of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented through preventive examinations. Prof. Dr. Hermann Brenner from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) explained in a statement about the study: “Our analyzes show very clearly: Both prevention strategies are highly effective. What is important is not so much which method is chosen, but rather that the prevention is used by as many people as possible.”
Greater effects with an optimal combination of colon cancer prevention methods
Particularly good results were observed when both examinations were optimally combined. This means initially having two colonoscopies ten years apart and later carrying out stool tests every two years.
The participation rate in colon cancer screening in Germany can be improved
In the model calculations, the researchers assumed that all those entitled would make the best possible use of the offers. In fact, by far not everyone takes advantage of the offer – in fact, significantly fewer people than in the Netherlands, Denmark or the USA. “To get there, we need well-organized screening programs with repeated personal invitations as well as measures that make screening as easy as possible, such as sending stool tests directly or offering colonoscopy appointments,” suggested Brenner.
Which: DOI 10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0208
