World Cancer Day on February 4th
These screenings are important
Regular screenings are an important part of cancer prevention.
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If cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are good. Don’t forget these regular check-ups.
February 4th is World Cancer Day. The day of action draws attention to one of the leading causes of death and aims to raise awareness of cancer and promote prevention, detection and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Around 18 million people worldwide develop cancer every year, and 9.6 million die as a result.
The organization estimates that 30 to 50 percent of cancers can be avoided through a healthy lifestyle, while others can be cured through early detection. Regular check-ups and screenings are important for early detection and proper treatment of cancer – an overview.
cervical cancer
According to estimates by the Robert Koch Institute, around 4,400 women in Germany develop cervical cancer every year. In order to detect malignant changes as early as possible, women over the age of 20 should have a smear examination of the cervix and cervix carried out by a gynecologist once a year. The so-called Pap test shows whether the cells show inflammation or tissue changes – an early sign of cancer.
Since 2020, for women over the age of 35, the examination is only planned every three years, combined with an HPV test. This detects human papilloma viruses, which are considered the main trigger for cervical cancer.
breast cancer
With more than 70,000 new cases every year, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Germany. It is important that women regularly examine and feel their breasts and armpits themselves, looking for any changes or lumps. The best time to do this is a few days after your period. If there is any suspicion, an ultrasound examination can be useful.
From the age of 30, the health insurance pays for the gynecological examination of the breast once a year. From the age of 50 to 69, cancer screening includes a mammogram every two years in addition to the annual examination and independent scanning.
Women who have breast cancer in their immediate family or who belong to a risk group should be examined even more frequently.
prostate cancer
According to the RKI, by far the most common form of cancer in men is prostate cancer, affecting 60,000 people every year. From the age of 45, the health insurance companies pay for the examination of the prostate from the rectum and the lymph nodes in the groin as well as the examination of the external genitals once a year.
skin cancer
Around 22,000 people in Germany develop malignant melanoma every year. From the age of 35, people with statutory health insurance are entitled to a skin cancer check by a dermatologist every two years. The entire body is examined and liver spots are assessed. You should also keep an eye on changes in your skin, birthmarks or scars and seek medical advice if you notice any abnormalities.
colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is also one of the most common tumor diseases. Between the ages of 50 and 54, a yearly stool blood test should be on the preventive plan. Women over the age of 55 and men over the age of 50 are entitled to two colonoscopies ten years apart. Regular examinations can detect intestinal polyps at an early stage and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by 30 to 40 percent.