Analysis for early cancer detection – high approval, but low take-up

05.09.2023 14:37

Around three quarters of citizens are of the opinion that they can actively contribute to maintaining their own health through early detection examinations. This emerges from a representative online survey conducted by Barmer among around 1,500 people. Accordingly, only one in two people think that the examinations can be easily integrated into everyday life. Only about one in four feel supported by their employer, for example with regard to preventative care appointments during working hours. “Early cancer detection can save lives and should be used consistently. To achieve this, access must be as uncomplicated as possible. There is a need for action here,” says Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Straub, CEO of Barmer.

In 2021, for example, only around two percent of men aged 50 and over and women aged 55 and over had a colonoscopy documented, which can be done every ten years. In order to enable low-threshold access, we offer the Barmer the alternatively feasible stool test as “digital colon cancer early detection”. The test can be ordered online and sent to a laboratory by post for free evaluation.

Not even every second person feels sufficiently informed

According to the survey by Barmer 55 percent of those surveyed consider the range of screening programs to be easily accessible. However, only 47 percent feel sufficiently informed about them. “The early detection system must be further strengthened. An information offensive is required to clear up open questions. All those involved in the healthcare system have a duty here,” says Straub. The necessary information should be quickly available, easy to understand and clearly highlight the benefits of early detection. This can be seen, for example, in colon cancer. In Germany, a total of around 250,000 men and 248,000 women were ill with it in 2021. In the case of colon cancer, the chances of recovery are usually good if it is detected early.

Further information on early cancer detection as well as a report from the Handelsblatt Research Institute and the Barmer on this topic at: Early detection survey