Cancer prevention: early detection in women and men

Cancer screening for men and women is an integral part of general check-ups. Because there are many different malignant tumours, most of them have in common the fact that the chances of recovery are greater the earlier the cancer is detected. In this article, you can find out what preventive examinations for early cancer detection are, what is done during the examinations, and when you can have them.

cancer screenings

Many cancers only become apparent when they are in an advanced stage. Therefore, it is essential not to see the doctor first and only when complaints or symptoms occur. In Germany, there is a statutory cancer screening program. This is also called cancer screening.

The statutory cancer screening program covers the following forms of cancer:

• breast cancer
• cervical cancer
• prostate cancer
• colon cancer
• skin cancer

 

Cancer screening – what is done when?

The earlier malignant changes are detected, the higher the probability they can be treated well or even cured. That is why the legislator recommends preventive medical examinations, which detect common cancers at an early stage.

In addition to the conversation with inquiries about the medical history and advice, some examinations are included in the statutory cancer screening program. The health insurance companies bear the costs for these examinations.

Cancer prevention in women

Cancer screening in women includes different examinations at different intervals depending on age.

 

From the age of 20

From the age of 20, women can take advantage of annual screening for cervical cancer and cancer of the genitals. This includes a gynaecological examination (inspection, palpation) of the internal and external genitals (vagina, uterus, partly ovaries) and a smear test (Pap smear) from the cervix or cervix. The Pap smear makes detecting tissue changes at an early stage possible.

From the age of 30 or 35

From the age of 30, breasts and the surrounding lymph nodes are also scanned as part of breast cancer screening. From age 35, women are entitled to an examination for the early detection of skin cancer every two years. This includes an anamnesis interview, an assessment of the entire skin and a final consultation on the examination result.

From age 35, the Pap smear is only carried out every three years. In addition, there is an HPV test, i.e. a test for human papillomaviruses. These increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. The HPV test is also performed using a swab from the cervix.

From the age of 50 or 55

From the age of 50 until the end of the 70th year, women are entitled to a mammography (X-ray examination of the breast) every two years – this can detect early stages of breast cancer.

In addition, they can receive advice on the early detection program for colorectal cancer. Between the ages of  50 and 54, there is also the option of an annual stool test for occult (invisible) blood as part of colon cancer screening. From age 55, women receive either a stool examination or two colonoscopies every two years. These must occur ten years apart as long as no abnormalities are found during the examination.

 

Cancer prevention in men

In men, too, early cancer detection examinations occur at different intervals.

From the age of 35

For men age 35, health insurance companies also cover the costs of a skin cancer check-up every two years, with an anamnesis interview, skin examination, and consultation on the examination result.

From the age of 45

From the age of 45, men can have an annual examination for the early detection of prostate cancer and cancer of the external genitals. As part of this examination, the external genitalia are scanned. In addition, the rectum is palpated to detect irregularities in the prostate. The local lymph nodes are also palpated, as swollen lymph nodes can indicate diseases. Finally, the doctor advises on the result.

 

From the age of 50 or 55

Since men have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than women, they have the option of having a total of two colonoscopies performed for early cancer detection at the age of 50. The interval between the two colonoscopies must be at least ten years if no noticeable changes are found. Alternatively, men aged  50 to 54 can have an annual stool occult blood test. From age 55, this opportunity is available to them every two years.

Other services if necessary

For patients with symptoms of illness or an increased risk, for example, due to family stress, the statutory health insurance companies will also pay for more or more frequent examinations if the treating doctor deems this necessary. If there is no medical necessity, so-called IGeL services can also be used in cancer prevention.

IGeL services in cancer prevention

There are also so-called IGeL services in cancer prevention, i.e. individual health services, the costs of which are borne by those affected themselves and not covered by health insurance companies. They are not necessary from a medical point of view.

The reasons for this vary. For some studies, the benefit has yet to be scientifically proven, or they are still so new that no study data are available on their benefit. A frequent criticism of some IGeL services in cancer prevention is that the results obtained are too imprecise. This means that a tumour could be overlooked, or a misdiagnosis could be made about a supposed cancer.

Those affected should, therefore, obtain sufficient information in advance and carefully consider whether and which IGeL services they want to use for early cancer detection.

Examples of IGeL services in cancer prevention are:

• Ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus to detect tumours in these organs
• Blood tests for tumour markers, i.e. specific proteins whose increased concentration can indicate cancer
• Breast ultrasound for early detection of breast cancer

 

Early detection: first symptoms of cancer

Since cancer screening examinations only cover a part of possible forms of cancer, are only offered for specific age groups and only at certain intervals, each individual must observe their body with all regions closely and regularly. Even minor changes or slight complaints that have persisted over an extended period should be taken seriously.

At the latest, when one of the following warning signs occurs, the visit to the doctor should not be delayed any longer:

• Painful or non-painful, visible or palpable lumps, hardening or swelling, especially on the neck, chest and testicles, but also on all other parts of the body
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin
• unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite
• inexplicable pain
• Fatigue, tiredness, and drop in performance over a more extended period
• fever, sweating (especially at night)
• persistent cough (irritating), prolonged hoarseness
• dysphagia
• Difficulty urinating or ejaculating
• Bleeding from the mouth, nose, intestines, urethra or chest
• Changes or problems with bowel movements
• long-lasting digestive problems such as stomach pain, vomiting or belching
• Skin changes, persistent itching, poorly healing wounds
• new, prolonged headache or recent, sudden visual disturbances
• Paralysis, seizures, speech disorders, personality changes

These symptoms can also be attributed to some other diseases and, therefore, do not automatically mean that you have cancer. Nevertheless, medical help should be sought to clarify the cause of the symptoms.