A low birth rate in addition to an increasing life expectancy within the context of an aging population characterize the current demographic situation in Germany. Cancer is primarily a disease of old age and the frequency increases with an expanding older population. In 2013, cancer was the second most common cause of death in Germany. With the aid of screening examinations cancer should be detected in the early stages so that suitable therapeutic measures can be initiated. In Germany, screening is currently offered for breast, cervical, colorectal, skin and prostate cancer and is covered by the statutory health insurance. Mammography screening is the only organized screening program in Germany. Eligible women are regularly invited to attend this program, which is not the case for the other types of cancer screening. In accordance with the Cancer Screening and Registry Act (KFRG) of 2013, colorectal and cervical cancer screening will also be implemented as organized screening programs in the future. As is the case in the mammography screening program, those eligible to participate will receive an invitation letter and the new programs are to be continually monitored, documented and evaluated.
Keywords: Early detection of disease; Germany; Prevention; Risk factors; Screening.