Healthy intestines: Colonoscopy and how often it makes sense

Created: 04/21/2022, 12:00 p.m

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

In many cases, colorectal cancer could be detected earlier if those affected went for regular colonoscopy.

A new screening technique is promising.

Munich – For many Germans, the colonoscopy is probably one of the preventive examinations that people are reluctant to take advantage of.

Most patients do not feel pain during the examination, but the mere thought of it seems uncomfortable for many.

Today's procedures are particularly gentle and can identify possible indications of cancer cells even better.

Because one thing is certain: Regular screening by means of colonoscopy can help to detect cancer at an early stage - the examination of the intestine can be life-saving.

Preventing colon cancer: supporting a healthy intestine, recognizing warning signals

An unhealthy lifestyle and an unbalanced diet with lots of high-fat foods can weaken gut health in the long term*.

Diet can promote the development of diseases such as colon cancer.

Diseases can therefore be prevented by eating healthily or changing your diet*.

In addition, regular screening by colonoscopy every five to ten years is advisable - especially if there is a genetic disposition for colon cancer in the family.

The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery*.

The tricky thing about colon cancer is that those affected do not feel the cancerous disease for a long time - only when the cancer is often far advanced.

Possible symptoms can then be:

• blood in the stool

• Frequent bloating and flatulence* with simultaneous discharge of blood, mucus or stool

• Changed bowel habits: constipation* and/or diarrhea, pencil-thin stools, frequent urges to defecate

• Foul-smelling stool

• Persistent, cramping abdominal pain* lasting more than a week

• fatigue, weight loss*

• Hard abdominal surface

Colonoscopy as a precaution against cancer: when will it be recommended and reimbursed by health insurance companies?

Every year in Germany around 27,000 women and 38,000 men develop bowel cancer*.

If the cancer is detected in time, there is a good chance of treating the cancer.

With appropriate precautions, a malignant disease that spreads can even be prevented.

The only and best way to detect possible cancer cells or precursors is to do a colonoscopy.

As a rule, all statutory and private health insurance companies cover the costs for the so-called colonoscopy, the medical examination for the early detection of colorectal cancer.

To ensure that as many people as possible go for colorectal cancer screening*, since July 1, 2019, insured persons over the age of 50 have been reminded by post by their health insurance company.

Colonoscopy as a precaution against cancer: What exactly is done during the examination?

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist usually inserts an endoscope (coloscope) with a thin tube through the patient's anus to examine the entire colon, including the rectum (rectum), from the inside.

During the examination, if necessary, tissue samples, so-called biopsies, are taken for clarification or, for example, polyps - tumors that form from mucous membranes and can become malignant - are removed.

Thanks to new procedures, 95 percent of lesions can now be detected and removed during colonoscopy.

The so-called capsule colonoscopy also enables screening down to the upper or lower end of the intestine*.

Regular check-ups with colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer.

(Symbol © Jochen Tack/Imago

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Colon cancer prevention: thanks to modern technology in colonoscopy, better early detection

Prof. Dr.

medical

Jürgen Pohl, chief physician for gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy at the Asklepios Klinik Altona, explains in an interview with FOCUS Online what opportunities artificial intelligence offers in the field of colonoscopy.

“AI is playing an increasingly important role in medicine.

The programs are based on 'experience' and the evaluation of huge data sets.

The computers were fed with a wealth of information about pathological findings and, on this basis, independently recognize risky changes.

The doctor checks that at the same time," explains Dr.

Pohl.

What distinguishes new types of colonoscopy, in addition to recognizing abnormal cells, is the removal from the inside.

“This relatively new, endoscopic procedure is called endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Cancers in the colon, but also in the stomach and esophagus can be removed and replace surgery.”

Colorectal cancer early detection: artificial intelligence for better diagnostics

Artificial intelligence represents a milestone in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Thanks to AI, up to 20 percent more polyps can be detected in the intestines of those affected that might otherwise have been overlooked.

What accounts for the success of even earlier detection: the experience of the treating gastroenterologist*, coupled with an AI system based on a large data set.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.