Particularly during preventive examinations for cancer, precursor lesions can be discovered early and can be removed before cancer develops. Malignant diseases can be effectively prevented in this way. In contrast, as part of early detection programs, so-called malignant diseases are discovered in an early stage that can still be cured.

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Cancers are a very diverse group of diseases: some progress slowly and are compatible with life, others can be very aggressive. After heart and circulatory diseases, they are the second most common cause of death in Switzerland, as in all Western European countries. A total of 35,000 people in Switzerland develop a new malignant tumor every year.

Whether a genetic predisposition actually leads to a tumor depends on the individual. According to the latest findings, up to 70% of all tumor diseases can be significantly influenced by one's own lifestyle. However, a healthy lifestyle does not guarantee protection against cancer.

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The following factors reduce the risk of tumor diseases:

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• Exercise and sport every day

• Avoid being overweight

• Eat little animal fat

• Do not smoke

• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day

• Secondary plant substances​

• Vitamins and minerals

• Little alcohol

• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight

• Avoid carcinogenic substances (including pesticides, mold, etc.)

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These are current indications only. We are constantly gaining new insights. And progress is also continually being made in terms of usability, e.g. B. fruits and vegetables can be consumed as extracts or capsules.

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For targeted prevention, it is important to take a detailed medical history in order to find out family and personal risk factors and decide individually which preventive examinations are necessary. As a rule, this decision is made together with the family doctor.

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Preventive examinations for gastrointestinal and liver diseases:

Colon cancer is the second to third most common cancer in Switzerland. One in 17 Swiss people will develop colon cancer in the course of their life. Currently, 36% of people who develop colon cancer still die within 5 years. In over 90% of cases, colon cancer arises from precursor lesions called polyps. These can be found and removed during a colonoscopy. According to studies carried out, colonoscopy reduces both the rate of new cases of colon cancer and the mortality rate for colon cancer.

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Preventive colonoscopy has been covered by health insurance companies since July 2013.

Gastrointestinal Switzerland