Vienna Medical Association Demands More Awareness on Colon Cancer

In 2020, approximately 62 out of 100,000 men and 38 out of 100,000 women in Austria were diagnosed with cancer in the colon and rectum area. In total, there were 44,745 people living with this diagnosis during this period. The disease can often progress for a long time without noticeable symptoms. In about five out of 1,000 asymptomatic individuals, colorectal cancer is detected during a preventive examination.

Vienna Medical Association Calls for Lowering the Age for Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Over 90 percent of colorectal cancer types arise from polyps, which are "quite easily" removable when benign. Both organizations therefore aim to destigmatize the disease and colonoscopy. According to colorectal cancer expert Tonninger-Bahadori, it is essential to alleviate the population's fear of preventive care: "Politics can do this, we can do this, and every individual can do this by talking to people about it." In recent years, the preparation for a colonoscopy has become significantly simpler. A bowel cleansing can now be done with a 150-milliliter solution and does not prevent the intake of other fluids afterward: "I can drink anything I want all day, and the bowel cleanses itself." "It is an examination that can be easily done and is over in 20 minutes," affirmed Helga Thurnher, President of the Colorectal Cancer Self-Help Group, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

In Austria, there is currently a free colonoscopy available from the age of 50 as a preventive examination for early detection, with a reduction of the age to 45 "on the home stretch," according to Tonninger-Bahadori. However, general practitioners can prescribe a colonoscopy regardless of age if there are symptoms. Thurnher therefore appealed to young people to take advantage of this. According to experts, signs of the disease include changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, or unusual bloating, as well as undigested food. The President of the Colorectal Cancer Self-Help Group, Thurnher, announced the publication of a preventive care brochure in cooperation with the Medical Association, expected in the fall.

(APA/Red)

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