Why is cancer prevention so important?

Cancer prevention can save lives ? The sooner a disease is recognized, the better the chances of recovery for most cancers. Therefore, both women and men in Germany have a legal entitlement to certain check-ups, depending on their age. Participation is voluntary, the costs are covered by the health insurance companies. The screening tests are intended to reduce mortality from cancer.

Avoid diseases caused by cancer prevention

The goal of early detection is to discover tumors that are still small and have not spread yet? This will help them to treat themselves better. Ideally, even cancer precursors are detected ( "Cancer prevention"). These are changes in the tissues that are not yet malignant, but can dramatically increase the risk of later cancer development. If these changes are removed, the risk decreases again.

Early detection: You should perceive this cancer prevention

Women should have the following examinations performed, to prevent cancer:

• Cervical cancer: Every 20 years, every woman is given a swab of the cervix once a year ("PAP smear"), which enables early detection of cell changes. These are considered precursors of cervical cancer. It is planned to offer an HPV test and a smear test to women over 35 every three years from 2020 onwards.
• breast cancer: From 30 years, the health insurance pays once a year for every woman an exact scan of the chest and armpits by the gynecologist. Between the ages of 50 and 69, a mammogram is also paid every two years.
• Skin cancer: A skin cancer screening is paid by health insurance companies over 35 years? for women and men. It is specifically asked for possible skin changes and the body is examined from head to toe.
• colon cancer: Colorectal cancer screening can also benefit both men and women. Every year, between 50 and 54, the health insurance company pays a test for hidden blood in the stool, at 55 a colonoscopy, which can then be repeated after ten years. Currently it is planned to offer colonoscopy for men as young as 50 years old.

Men over 45 years of age are also sampled once a year from the prostate, rectum, genitals and lymph nodes in the groin for the prevention of prostate cancer too.

Cervical cancer: You should know that

Cervical cancer is usually triggered by a viral infection. Here you will learn everything you should know about the disease!

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What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer ("cervical carcinoma") is a malignant cell proliferation on the cervix. On average, women at the age of 53 develop cervical cancer and in-situ carcinoma as early as age 34. Usually, the cancer is transmitted by infection with human papillomavirus ("HPV"). The sooner cervical cancer is detected, the higher the chance of recovery.

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Causes of cervical cancer

In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), of which there are around 200 different types. The virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse ? Even condoms do not protect 100%, as the viruses can also be transmitted through skin contact in the genital area. The risk factors for a disease include:

? Smoke

? Many different intercourse partners

? Bad intimate hygiene

? Early sexual activity (under 14)

? Many pregnancies and births

? Long-term use of the pill

? Weakened immune system

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Symptoms of cervical cancer

Like many other cancers Cervical cancer in early stages usually causes no symptoms. Later, vaginal discharge (bloody and / or unpleasant smelling) and general bleeding (eg after intercourse or after stress such as riding) may occur. After the 35th year of age, heavy menstrual bleeding as well as intermenstrual bleeding are considered conspicuous. In addition, the following symptoms may occur:

? Low back pain

? Strong abdominal and abdominal pain

? Unexplained weight loss

? Swollen legs

? Bloody urine

Important: The complaints are quite unspecific and can also point to other diseases. But they should be clarified by a doctor.

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This is how cervical cancer is treated

Treatment for cervical cancer depends essentially on two points:

? How far has the disease progressed?

? What are the individual circumstances of the patient (eg general health, desire to have children)?

In the early stage of the disease is usually operated. The tumor should be completely removed. But radiation therapy is also possible if the patient does not want surgery, for example. Radiotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Also a drug treatment in the form of an antibody infusion is possible? However, only in certain cases, for example, if the cancer has spread, other therapies do not work or the patient has relapsed.

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Cervical cancer: the right aftercare

If the disease is over, the right aftercare is indispensable: By regular check-ups possible relapses should be recognized as early as possible. In addition, different therapists (eg psychologists and physiotherapists) can help those affected to live with the consequences of the disease and to become physically stronger again. Physical examinations should take place every three months during the first three years, every six months between the fourth and fifth year and once a year from the sixth year onwards.

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How can I protect myself from cervical cancer?

By vaccinating against HPV, you can minimize the risk of getting a disease. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14. The costs are borne by the health insurance companies. Since 30 November 2018, a vaccination for boys of the same age is paid by the health insurance. To prevent cervical cancer, should condoms also be used? that reduces the risk of infection by around 50 percent?, the intimate hygiene is not neglected and smoking is avoided.

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The right advice

As a rule, young women aged 20 and over are advised to go to cervical cancer screening. The doctor takes once a year a so-called PAP smear, in which cell changes can be detected early. The gynecologist is also the right contact person for more detailed information about the disease.

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How important is screening really?

Especially the early detection of colorectal cancer and cervical cancer is well documented and recommended by experts. In the prevention of breast, skin and prostate cancer, however, there is a dispute? some experts see their benefit as proven, others rather doubt it. Every patient who is entitled to preventive care should therefore consult his or her doctor about possible advantages and disadvantages. Also, because there is no one hundred percent security? The error rate in the early detection of cancer is low, but it is just existing.

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