Recognize lung cancer early: New screening in Merheim from 2024!

Recognize lung cancer early: New screening in Merheim from 2024!

in the lung clinic of the Merheim hospital, a lot is happening in the area of early detection of lung cancer. A newly introduced screening for the early detection of this insidious disease is ready, thanks to the generous support of the Britta and Peter Wurm-Foundation . This screening is aimed at symptomless people between the ages of 50 and 75 who have smoked at least 25 years or also actively smoke. Participants should be familiar with a daily pack of cigarettes, while former smokers who stopped more than ten years ago should not benefit from the measure.

The first test subject to use the new service is the 61-year-old Beate Brings. She has smoked since the age of 14 and shows how important an early examination is. The screening itself only takes about two minutes - a quick procedure that provides the results immediately. This is done using an open CT device, perfect for all those who have claustrophobia. In addition, no contrast agents or injections are used in this examination, and the radiation exposure remains below the legal requirements, which offers additional security.

a new opportunity for affected persons

With around 57,000 new diagnoses in Germany annually, lung cancer is a serious challenge. The most common cause of this disease is still active smoking, which makes up for 90 percent of cases in men and at least 60 percent in women. In addition, lung cancer in women is responsible for every third and men for every second cancer, as the Krebsdaten . These sad statistics underpin the urgency and necessity of early detection measures.

As part of a new regulation of the G-BA , a nationwide extension of the offer for the early detection of lung cancer is planned from April 2026. In the future, all active and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 75, which have regularly consumed cigarettes in the past 25 years, who can use lung cancer screenings. The examinations then take place every 12 months using low-dose computed tomography.

a step towards improvement

the G-BA is pursuing the goal of significantly increasing the chances of survival through early diagnoses. The implementation is subject to strict quality requirements, and the radiologists must also have special qualifications. The legal exams are currently underway and the infrastructure for carrying out the screening is being prepared.

With the Lung Cancer Early Indication Ordinance, which already came into force on July 1, 2024, the course is set for a responsible and efficient combating of this disease. It remains exciting to see how screening develops in Merheim and how many people can benefit from it. It is clear that the initiative not only contributes to the early detection of lung cancer, but also offer incentives to cess the tobacco.

for everyone affected and interested: Faster diagnostics could soon save lives. If you are interested in participating in the screening, you can conveniently make an examination date online and take a first step into a smoke -free future.