Colon cancer screening through colonoscopy

Everything you need to know about colonoscopy as a preventative check-up

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Germany. However, the chances of recovery are very high if it is detected early. If the doctor finds colon polyps – benign changes in the intestinal mucosa – these can usually be completely removed before cancer develops. Thus, colonoscopy is a very good way to prevent colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is now the standard examination method for the early detection of colon cancer. It is a painless and low-risk examination that is usually performed under light anaesthesia. Colonoscopy as a form of early detection screening is recommended for women and men aged 50 and over. The early detection screening can be used twice in total, with an interval of ten years between tests.

What happens during the examination

What costs does SBK cover?

How to get colon cancer screening through colonoscopy

Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy

Eine Ärztin und ihr Patient sitzen an einem Tisch und sie erklärt ihm anhand eines Dokuments verschiedene Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.

Colon cancer screening through colonoscopy – your benefits

We cover the costs of two examinations at ten-year intervals for men and women aged 50 and over.

What happens during the examination:

First, make an appointment for a colonoscopy at a gastroenterological practice. There you will receive all the information you need to prepare for the examination.

For the examination, it is necessary to completely empty the bowel. When you register for the colonoscopy, you will receive information about what you need to consider in terms of diet a few days before your examination as well as a prescription for suitable laxatives. Many practices will even give you the necessary medication to take home with you. You will carry out the bowel cleansing or preparation procedure at home before the examination according to the instructions provided.

On the day of the examination, the attending physician will have an informative discussion with you. The optimal form of anaesthesia will also be discussed with you before the examination.

The actual examination takes about half an hour. You lie on your side on an examination bed. A flexible tube about the thickness of a finger with a small camera at the end is inserted into the rectum via the anus. This colonoscope is then advanced through the entire large intestine. During this process, air is blown in to expand the intestine and make it easier to see. The camera transmits images to a monitor. Only when the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn does the doctor thoroughly examine the colon mucosa – section by section. If they discover any abnormal tissue, they will either take samples or remove the intestinal polyps completely.

After the examination, the results will be discussed with you and, if necessary, further steps will be taken.

What costs does SBK cover?

We cover the costs of two examinations at ten-year intervals for men and women aged 50 and over.

How to get colon cancer screening through colonoscopy:

Make an appointment with a specialist practice for internal medicine with a focus on gastroenterology.

Simply present your SBK Healthcare Card at the practice and you will not incur any costs.

Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy

Colon cancer screening check

The Felix Burda Stiftung’s quick colon cancer check provides information on the extent to which colon cancer screening is relevant for you personally. The test asks about risk factors for colon cancer and thus determines your personal risk. The Felix Burda Stiftung developed this test with expert knowledge in human genetics and gastrointestinal medicine. Please discuss the results of the test with your doctor.

Felix Burda Stiftung quick colon cancer check

Useful links:

Fact Sheet on Colorectal Cancer Screening

More information about colonoscopies from the Cancer Information Service

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Colon cancer screening through colonoscopy

Frequently asked questions about colonoscopy

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