Doctors from the Ludwigsburg and Heilbronn health authorities guided interested visitors through the colon model, in which diverticula, inflammatory bowel diseases, precancerous stages such as polyps and adenomas as well as bowel cancer were displayed. At an accompanying information stand of the public health department, employees provided information about screening tests and prevention options. Two of the more than 100 participants in the interactive "bowel quiz" won center vouchers worth 50 euros each. The project managers from the health department were very pleased with the results. "Many of those who took part in the guided tours wanted to make appointments for a colonoscopy as soon as possible," said Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Health Promotion at the Ludwigsburg Health Department. The participants were particularly impressed by the information that 90 to 95 percent of bowel cancer cases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and early detection.
AOK Ludwigsburg-Rems-Murr was on site as a cooperation partner and provided information about a healthy lifestyle. As Alexander Thum, Head of the Prevention Division, emphasized, this can significantly reduce the risk of numerous serious illnesses such as cancer. The Marstall supported the project with the campaign area as well as advertising and quiz prizes.
Background information on bowel cancer and screening:
Every year, around 55,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Statistically, one in 19 women and one in 15 men will be diagnosed with this disease in the course of their lives. In 2023, around 24,100 people died as a result of this disease. In women, bowel cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer and the third most common cancer in men after prostate and lung cancer. The colon or rectum are usually affected.
The statutory health insurance companies offer their policyholders organized bowel cancer screening from the age of 50. Since April 1, 2025, the same rules have applied to women and men. From the age of 50, both sexes can choose between a colonoscopy (twice at least ten years apart) or a stool test every two years. Anyone opting for a stool test for the early detection of bowel cancer should be aware of the limitations: around 30 percent of bowel cancers and numerous adenomas are not detected by the test. In addition, the test result may be abnormal even though neither bowel cancer nor adenomas are present. It is therefore important to consider the result in the context of further diagnostic measures.
During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the bowel via the anus. The intestinal mucosa is carefully examined. Polyps or suspicious tissue changes can be removed and examined directly. This procedure detects around 95 out of 100 actual bowel cancers and makes it possible to eliminate precancerous lesions at an early stage.
Changes in bowel habits, blood or mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, paleness, weight loss or persistent weakness can be signs of bowel cancer and should be investigated by a doctor. It is recommended to start screening before the age of 50, especially if there is a family history of the disease.
Contact:
Dr. Uschi Traub
Ludwigsburg District Office
Head of Health Promotion and Health Planning
Health Department
Hindenburgstr. 20/1
71638 Ludwigsburg
Tel. 07141 144-2520
Mail: gesundheitsfoerderung@landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
