Prevention
Anal bleeding, secretion of mucus, slowly increasing problems of bowel relieving, change from liquid to hard stool. Though all counted problems are less specific and could be the cause of harmless diseases. There are no early symptoms! Therefore, a check-up is most important.
Presumably are a cost rich in meat (red meat) and poor in fiber the culprit in a higher risk in cancer of the intestines. Smoking increases the risk of intestine cancer as well.
First the intestine has to be cleaned out with suitable measures; this is done at home. The examination takes place in a laying position from the anus. Flexible instruments and suitable calming measures make it possible not to feel almost anything when being examined. The examination lasts about 15 to 25 minutes; it lasts longer when polyps are removed.
In an early status almost 100 %, then less the more the cancer proceeds.
No biopsy will be taken if the colonoscopy is unremarkable. Should polyps exist, they will be removed and histological examined.
Yes. Especially endangered are persons whose parents fall ill with an anal carcinoma in younger years: particularly then, if more relatives of one line are affected. If only grandparents are affected or parents at an older age than the personal risk is only minor.
A positive test result requires a coercive colonoscopy.
Stool tests have a sensitiveness of about 50 %. They are no carcinoma tests; other colon diseases could influence it. A positive test result does not necessarily indicate cancer.
A paper strip test should be done from the age of 50 years up annually. The health insurance scheme pays a colonoscopy once a year from the age of 55 years up, alternatively stool tests can be taken, although they are not as effective as a colonoscopy. Only a colonoscopy can clarify it.
Clarification of hereditary tendency, recto-digital feeling and tests on not viewable blood – sometimes cancer of the colon takes its normal course without any symptoms. A colonoscopy has to be done if a blood test is positive (one positive test is already sufficient) or complaints occur.
Yes, it is counted to the most frequent kind of cancer in Germany; annually about 70 000 persons fall newly ill with it, and 30 000 persons die of it each year. The danger to fall ill with cancer increases with age more often. Therefore, it is most important to take preventative measures from the age of 55 years on.