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Early screenings for colorectal cancer save lives

Posted by Erin Johnson on June 7, 2009
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Early detection can prevent almost 100 percent of colorectal cancer cases. Combating the disease is a question of social innovations that convince people of regular testing.

The Felix Burda Foundation, founded in 2001 by Dr. Christa Maar and Dr. Hubert Burda, with the quest to decrease the mortality rate of colon cancer in Germany, recently took their expertise to America. During a one-day symposium, hosted by the German Consulate, an international line-up of experts and activists came to share their perspectives on prevention, treatment, how to raise awareness and change attitudes, especially among unmarried, low-income men, who suffer the greatest risk of dying from the disease.

See Christa Maar talk about the foundation’s successful strategy to increase colonoscopy screenings in Germany here.

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Comments

  1. #1 Mike Jones
    June 11, 2009

    Hello,

    Thanks for the interesting article on early detection.

    I have a friend that’s fighting stage 4 colon cancer so I know what a dreadful disease it is.

    I had my first colonoscopy at age 50. A polyp was found and removed. I’m now 58 and I had my second colonoscopy a few weeks ago. Nothing was found this time.

    I just want to remind and encourage everyone to get screened for colon cancer. The procedure itself (colonoscopy) is not painful, with the possible exception of the I.V. The preparation the day before is a little inconvenient. Plan to be close to a bathroom.

    The ‘official’ guideline is to have a colonoscopy if you are older than 50 and every 10 years thereafter. That is, if you’re at average risk. Check with your physician. Schedule an appointment today!

  2. #2 Tony P
    June 7, 2009

    At my regular checkups the prostate exam now serves two purposes, to check for enlarge prostate and to swipe the gloved finger over a strip that is then coated with reagent to check for cancerous cells.

    I’d say we’re doing alright.