Early Cancer Detection: Treatment, Effects & Risks

Early cancer detection refers to a series of examinations that are performed on healthy individuals, even without any particular suspicion, in order to detect possible cancers at an early stage and thus increase the chances of cure. The statutory health insurance funds bear the costs for the gender- and age-specific examinations.

What is early cancer detection?

Cancer screening examinations serve the purpose of detecting any existing cancers before they cause symptoms. Illustration shows a mammogram. The term early cancer detection summarizes various examinations that are performed as a preventive measure. Their purpose is to detect any existing cancers before they cause symptoms. This is intended to significantly increase the chances of recovery. Examinations in the context of early cancer detection are paid for as standard by the statutory health insurance funds, as they can contribute to maintaining health and thus also to reducing later high costs. They are age- and gender-specific and provide for comprehensive examinations of specific body regions at regular intervals. Early cancer detection begins for women as early as age 20. If there is a genetic risk for cancer, examinations may be performed even earlier and/or at shorter intervals.

Function, effect, and goals

The stated goal of early cancer detection is already contained in the term itself. The purpose of the various examinations is to detect cancers that may already be developing but are as yet undetected, thus enabling appropriate therapy before the disease can show symptoms or even spread. Doctors recommend screening because studies have shown that many cancers have a better chance of being cured and can also be treated more gently when the disease is still at an early stage. Since not all cancers cause specific symptoms quickly after they develop, they are often detected late, which can have a negative impact on further progression. People with a genetic predisposition should pay particular attention to early cancer detection examinations. However, otherwise healthy people are also advised to do so. Women should have their genital organs examined from the age of 20. From the age of 30, a breast examination is also recommended. Between the ages of 50 and 70, mammography should be performed every two years. Men have the opportunity to have their prostate examined from the age of 45. Examinations for the early detection of skin cancer and colorectal cancer can be performed equally by both sexes. The former is offered from the age of 35, the latter from the age of 50. Cancer screening is basically voluntary, and it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to take advantage of the examinations. The respective family doctor can provide more detailed information about the individual steps and the entire program. For some examinations, such as mammography, individuals who are eligible for screening based on age and gender are invited in writing.

Risks and dangers

While many physicians and experts clearly emphasize the positive aspects of early cancer detection, opponents of screening are also increasingly found. Corresponding statistics are said to prove that only a few of the numerous examinations actually have the promised benefit. Moreover, this benefit only exists for those people who are actually diagnosed with cancer at an early stage. All others could therefore not benefit at all from screening. In particular, measures such as mammography or colonoscopy are not infrequently doubted, as they are rather unpleasant for the person concerned and should therefore, according to opponents, only be carried out if they are really appropriate. Possible misdiagnoses that can arise after examinations as part of early cancer detection are also frequently discussed in this regard. If a cancer is wrongly diagnosed, this can have negative effects on the psyche and the entire life of the person affected.Under certain circumstances, such a misdiagnosis or unspecific findings can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions, which in the worst case can impair the patient’s well-being (e.g. impotence or incontinence after prostate surgery). Ultimately, it is always at the discretion of the individual whether and, if so, which cancer screening examinations he or she wishes to undergo. Doctors and health insurers provide detailed information about the examinations themselves, their benefits and possible risks.