Colorectal cancer screening: taking precautions can save lives
Early detection increases chances of cure
The rule is: the earlier the cancer is detected, the gentler the treatment and the better the prospects for a cure.
That is why many cantons have so-called bowel cancer screening programmes for early detection. In the canton of Basel-Stadt, for example, all residents between the ages of 50 and 69 are invited to take part in a bowel cancer screening examination in cooperation with the Krebsliga beider Basel.
Participants choose between a stool test every 2 years and a colonoscopy every 10 years. The examinations within the framework of this programme are exempt from the deductible; only a 10% retention is payable. Similar programmes are offered in many other cantons.
What is a screening programme?
In a screening programme, certain people are regularly invited to undergo an examination for the early detection of cancer. The goal: to detect a disease before symptoms appear. In this way, the chances of recovery can be increased, a gentler therapy can be applied or the disease can even be avoided. Sympany covers the majority of the examination costs.