Cancer of the colon has become the most common type of cancer world-wide. With approximately 5,000 new cases each year it is the most frequent tumour in Austria.
If detected at an early stage an effective cure is possible. A population based screening of colon cancer promises a decrease in the frequency of the disease and in the mortality rate. For this reason, in July 2003, the Main Association of Austrian Public Insurance Institutions (HVBÖSV) passed a resolution to make colon cancer - screenings part of preventive health check-ups.
It was the aim of this study to evaluate the endoscopies performed in Austria and to describe and analyse the current Austrian way of dealing with early diagnosis of colon cancer and to work out recommendations for a screening-programme.
In 2002 over 120,000 endoscopic examinations of the colon were carried out. On the basis of traditional circumstances in Austria colonoscopy is to be preferred to sigmoidoscopy. There is a need to act concerning the introduction of organised, age-group specific colorectal cancer screening since a health care benefit is only achieved if a describable and measurable health profit for the population arises and this is not possible with opportunistic screening.
08/2003 - 12/2003