Colorectal cancer . Prevention and early recognition

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from malignant diseases in Germany after lung cancer. The time lapse from the formation of an adenoma to development of a carcinoma is approximately 10-15 years. In this time period it is possible to recognize the preliminary stages prior to a carcinoma using appropriate screening procedures. Because the incidence of carcinoma in the asymptomatic population increases after 50 years of age, since 2002 screening measures have been introduced by the health insurance companies in Germany which allow recognition of preliminary stages or early forms of colorectal cancer. This article gives a review of suitable measures for prevention and early recognition of colorectal cancer.