Cancer prevention and early detection for women and men

Even people who lead an exceptionally healthy lifestyle repeatedly develop cancer . Therefore, medical cancer screening or early cancer detection, in addition to attentively observing physical changes oneself, is the safest way to detect cancer at an early stage.

Even though there are now promising developments in research suggesting that thanks to advancements in mRNA technology , cancer therapy could be revolutionized, it still holds true that cancer prevention is crucial for the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Read here: mRNA technology in cancer therapy

Because as a general rule: Early stages can usually be treated more successfully and also more gently. In Germany, there are specific recommendations and screenings for various types of cancer, which are covered by statutory health insurance.

We have explained the possible screenings for the five most common types of cancer in more detail below.

Cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma):

Women are entitled to a Pap smear from the age of 20, which can be performed annually. From the age of 35, a combination of Pap smear and HPV test is offered, which can be repeated every three years.

HPV vaccination is also a possible preventive measure to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Up to the age of 17, the costs for vaccinations for girls are covered in any case. Some health insurance companies also offer cost coverage beyond this age limit. Since 2013, HPV vaccination has also been recommended for boys in Germany.

Breast cancer (mammary carcinoma):

From the age of 30, women have the option to have a gynecological examination with palpation of the breast and regional lymph nodes annually. The gynecological examination should also include medical guidance for self-examination.

Read here: My Life with Breast Cancer

A monthly self-examination is recommended for women as early as age 20.From the age of 50, women are entitled to a mammogram offered every two years as part of the organized mammography screening program. Since July 1, 2024, the upper age limit of the program has been raised from 69 to 75 years.

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From the age of 50, women are entitled to a mammogram, which is offered every two years as part of the organized mammography screening program.

Skin Cancer (Malignant Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma):

From the age of 35, all insured persons in Germany are entitled to skin cancer screening every two years, during which the entire skin is examined for noticeable changes.

In addition to medical examination, self-observation of the skin for new moles or changes in existing skin lesions is crucial. It is advised to regularly watch for symptoms such as itching, redness, or sores.

Read here: Recognizing and Treating Skin Cancer

Prostate cancer (prostate carcinoma):

From the age of 45, men are entitled to an annual examination, which usually includes palpation of the external genitalia, a digital rectal examination of the prostate, and a palpation of the regional lymph nodes.

As an additional early detection measure, the so-called PSA test is recommended, although this is not routinely covered by health insurance.

Colorectal cancer (colorectal carcinoma):

In Germany, women and men with statutory health insurance aged 50 and over are entitled to a one-time medical consultation about the possibilities of early detection of colorectal cancer. In addition, from the age of 50, an annual test for hidden blood in the stool using a quantitative immunological test (iFOBT) can be carried out.

From April 2025, women and men will be able to use the same offers for colorectal cancer prevention. Until now, men aged 50 and over and women aged 55 and over were entitled to two free colonoscopies 10 years apart.

A repeat early detection colonoscopy can be performed after ten years. Why Prof. Dr. Franz Bader and Dr. Berndt Birkner advocate that a colonoscopy should be covered by health insurance in certain cases as early as the age of 40 is explained in our podcast. "How to prevent colorectal cancer."