Colon cancer screening
A campaign of Bertelsmann BKK

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Colon cancer can affect anyone

Every year 55,000 people develop colon cancer in Germany and 23,000 people die of it.

Warnings are too late

The insidious thing about colon cancer is that it often grows years in the bowel without causing symptoms.

Colon cancer is curable by early detection

In contrast to many other cancer diseases, colon cancer has the chance to be prevent completely by preventative measures or to detect it at such an early stage that it can be cured.

Colon cancer is preventable
if it is detected early enough

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer diseases in Germany. In addition to the food- and lifestyle habits, genetic factors are particularly involved to the development of colon cancer. A familial prestress means an increased risk for this insidious disease. Use the knowledge to avoid colon cancer for yourself and your family as best you can.

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What is colorectal cancer?

The term colorectal cancer refers to a malignant tumor in the colon or rectum. Malignant tumors in the small intestine are in contrast extremely rare.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most researched cancers in humans. It is known that approximately 90% of colorectal cancer diseases develop from initially benign intestinal polyps. The degeneration of the intestinal polyp (adenoma) to the cancer (carcinoma) can take about 10 years.

The malignant tumor occurs gradually and often completely unnoticed. When typical symptoms like stomach pain, bowel irregularities or visible blood in the stool occur, the disease is often in an advanced state already. Early detection plays an important role in colorectal cancer. Early detection is the most effective weapon against this disease.

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Risk for colon cancer

From the many years of experience and research, there are known various factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer:

The incidence of colorectal cancer increases with the age. From the age of 50 years, colorectal cancer occurs much more frequently, but younger people may also develop colorectal cancer, especially if they have an increased familial risk.

In approximately 30% of cases of colorectal cancer, a hereditary predisposition is the cause. People from this group need early, regular examinations, already in the younger age, in order to recognize colon cancer and its precursors as early as possible.

A further risk group for colorectal cancer are the people with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

Patients with type 2 diabetes have a threefold increased risk of colorectal cancer. In this group of persons, the disease is also more often fatal.

Food and dietary habits can also be a risk factor for colorectal cancer. If you eat too much fat and red meat, too little fiber, fruits and vegetables, it increases your risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption are among the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

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Prevent colon cancer

The maximum safety to recognize colorectal cancer is the colonoscopy. This is offered by the health insurance companies for men over 50 years and women over 55 years. The colonoscopy can be repeated at a distance of 10 years. From the age of 50, a claim to an immunological test for the detection of blood in the stool (iFOBT) exists.

For all people who have not yet reached the stated age, or who do not want the colonoscopy, this test is an alternative.

The test immoCARE-C which is offered in the campaign has proven its effectiveness in many clinical trials. In a clinical study*, 91% of colorectal cancers showed a positive test.

You do not need to do the test if you have had a precautionary colonoscopy within the last 5 years.

*Vogel T. et al; Vergleich verschiedener Stuhltests zur Detektion von Neoplasien des Kolon. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2005: 130:872-877.

Colon Cancer Quick Check
Check your risks - and find out when you should go to a screening test.

Question 1 of 10

Are you past the age of 40?
YES NO

Question 1 of 10

Are you past the age of 40?

People over 40 are subject to a higher risk for colon cancer. We therefore recommend you to participate in the screening test campaign.

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Question 2 of 10

Have you ever discovered blood in your stool?
YES NO

Question 2 of 10

Have you ever discovered blood in your stool?

You should have a colonoscopy to find out where this blood comes from. Arrange an appointment with your doctor soon.

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Question 3 of 10

Have you ever had polyps (adenoids)?
YES NO

Question 3 of 10

Have you ever had polyps (adenoids)?

Polyps can develop into colon cancer. It is therefore important to undergo regular follow-up checks (according to your specific diagnosis and risk).

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Question 4 of 10

Have three or more members of your family ever been suffering from cancers of the colon, stomach, uterus, ovaries, renal pelvis or ureter?
YES NO

Question 4 of 10

Have three or more members of your family ever been suffering from cancers of the colon, stomach, uterus, ovaries, renal pelvis or ureter?

You should consult a human geneticist to discuss your congenital risks and suitable precautionary measures. People with congenital risks (Lynch Syndrome) are advised to undergo regular colonoscopies past the age of 25.

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Question 5 of 10

Has a close relative of yours ever suffered from colon cancer or undergone an operation to have intestinal polyps (adenoids) removed before their 50th birthday?
YES NO

Question 5 of 10

Has a close relative of yours ever suffered from colon cancer or undergone an operation to have intestinal polyps (adenoids) removed before their 50th birthday?

You are advised to have a colonoscopy at a time when you are 10 years younger than your close relative was when the illness was diagnosed, but no later than at the age of 40 to 45.

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Question 6 of 10

Are you suffering from ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease?
YES NO

Question 6 of 10

Are you suffering from ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease?

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk. Consult a specialist to discuss suitable precautionary measures.

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Question 7 of 10

Are you suffering from type 2 diabetes?
YES NO

Question 7 of 10

Are you suffering from type 2 diabetes?

People with Type 2 Diabetes are also at a higher risk. Before your diabetes is treated with insulin, ask your doctor whether you should have a precautionary colonoscopy.

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Question 8 of 10

Do you smoke?
YES NO

Question 8 of 10

Do you smoke?

Smoking can cause colon cancer. Consult your doctor.

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Question 9 of 10

Would it be fair to say that you are not getting enough exercise?
YES NO

Question 9 of 10

Would it be fair to say that you are not getting enough exercise?

Regular exercise can decrease your cancer risk. Consult your doctor.

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Question 10 of 10

Are you overweight (BMI > 25)? Do you have an unhealthy diet?
YES NO

Question 10 of 10

Are you overweight (BMI > 25)? Do you have an unhealthy diet?

The metabolic syndrome and an unhealthy diet increase the colon cancer risk. Consult your doctor.

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Result

Your test result:

If you have answered "NO" to all of the questions, you do not belong to any of the colon cancer risk groups. Since, however, the colon cancer risk increases significantly once you are over 50, you should still - when the time comes - make use of the colon cancer screening tests that are universally offered according to public health regulations.

If you have answered "YES" to at least one question, you should discuss this with your doctor.

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