How important is a medical check-up?

The importance of colonoscopy

Just like the preventive medical check-up in gynecology, the preventive medical check-up of the bowel has a very special and very important role.

Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer) is the 2 in Europe with an incidence of 20 (cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year). most common cause of cancer death . In Austria there are over 5000 new cases per year. Men and women are equally affected. After the age of 40 the incidence doubles every 10 years and it peaks between the ages of 60 and 70. More and more younger people are suffering from this tumor entity.

Apart from rare exceptions, colon cancer develops on the basis of adenomas (polyps with cell changes, so-called dysplasias), which develop into a malignant tumor (= invasive carcinoma) as part of the so-called "adenoma carcinoma sequence" Cancer). This process takes about 10 years. So you have an average of 10 years to remove an adenoma (polyp with cell changes) before colon cancer develops.

The fact that there is a precancerous stage about 10 years before an invasive carcinoma develops is a very special constellation. Since more than 30% of the over 50 year olds already have adenomas in the normal population , it is understandable that this is a very common condition and affects a third of the over 50 year old Austrians. The detection and professional removal of an adenoma prevents colon cancer and keeps those affected healthy.

In most cases, the removal is simple and can be done via a colonoscopy . I do all colonoscopies in sedation with propofol. The examination is completely painless and the patients sleep during the entire examination . But - don't worry - it is not a "real" anesthetic . You are only in a twilight sleep and can be woken up easily.

Colonoscopies are from 45. Age recommended in healthy asymptomatic people without a family history of tumors. If symptoms such as stool irregularities, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, etc. occur, an examination must be carried out immediately and regardless of age. If you have any relatives in your family who suffer from tumors (colon cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer), I will be happy to advise you about your risk and when an examination makes sense.

Regular colonoscopies save lives!

I am very happy to take my time and give you detailed advice on (from) when a mirroring makes sense, about your individual risk and the examination itself.