Colorectal cancer screening in Bern - take early precautions at Vivomed and save lives
Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most effective measures for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. At Vivomed - Gastroenterology Bern, we offer structured, medically sound colorectal cancer screening - individually tailored and with modern endoscopic diagnostics.
We treat patients from Bern, German-speaking Switzerland, Valais and beyond.
Why is bowel cancer screening so important?
Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, but can be treated very well if detected early. In many cases, bowel cancer develops from benign precursors (polyps) that grow over years and can be detected and removed in good time during a screening examination.
This makes colorectal cancer screening particularly effective: it can prevent cancer, not just detect it early.
People with symptoms:
The screening program is not intended for people with bowel complaints that require clarification. If you are unsure, it is best to discuss the procedure with your family doctor or contact the bowel cancer screening hotline.
At what age is bowel cancer screening advisable?
Screening is generally recommended
- from the age of 50 with an average risk
- earlier if
- Bowel cancer runs in the family
- chronic inflammatory bowel diseases exist
- polyps have already been detected
At Vivomed in Bern, we will be happy to advise you individually on the best time and method for you.
What methods of bowel cancer screening are there?
1. Colonoscopy - the gold standard of screening
Colonoscopy is the most reliable method of colorectal cancer screening. It enables
- complete examination of the colon
- Detection of the smallest mucosal changes
- immediate removal of polyps
At Vivomed, colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis and gently in a short sleep without you noticing anything.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Click here for the colon cancer quick check. Colon cancer screening is aimed at people with no symptoms and an average risk of colon cancer.
2. Stool tests
Stool tests can provide indications of hidden blood, but are no substitute for a colonoscopy, as they cannot detect or remove polyps.
Colonoscopy as the key to colorectal cancer prevention and your long-term health
Colonoscopy not only plays a crucial role in the early detection of colorectal cancer, but it can also have a positive impact on your long-term health and quality of life. Longevity and health optimization are increasingly popular topics, and colonoscopy offers an efficient, minimally invasive way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer while supporting healthy lifestyle habits. It's not just about early detection of polyps and tumors, but also about promoting a healthy gut microbiome and a better quality of life.
Colonoscopy for better quality of life and longevity
In today's world, where the focus is increasingly on longevity and a healthy lifestyle, gut health has become an important part of health optimization. Colonoscopy plays a central role in this, as it not only enables early detection of bowel cancer, but can also reduce the risk of various bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
The prevention of bowel cancer through colonoscopy makes it possible to remove small polyps, which can develop into tumors, at an early stage. Such a measure can ensure years of healthy life and avoid the need for invasive treatments in the future. This preventative action not only has health benefits, but can also lead to a longer and healthier lifespan as the gut plays a key role in overall health.
Gut microbiome and health - an invaluable connection
The gut microbiome - the community of microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract - has a direct impact on our immune system, our digestion and even our general wellbeing. A regular colonoscopy can ensure that the gut remains healthy and the microbiome functions optimally. Studies have shown that a healthy microbiome is associated with a lower likelihood of inflammatory bowel disease and even colorectal cancer.
By removing polyps and detecting precancerous lesions at an early stage, the intestinal microbiome is optimally supported. As a result, this can not only reduce the risk of bowel cancer, but also of a variety of chronic diseases that are promoted by dysbiosis (imbalance in the microbiome).
Live hacking: How you can optimize your health with a colonoscopy
The idea of live hacking, i.e. the targeted optimization of lifestyle and health strategies for better longevity, has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It's not just about physical fitness, but also about preventative medical measures such as colonoscopy. Early colorectal cancer screening can be seen as a form of "hacking" that allows you to improve and prolong your health.
Colorectal cancer usually develops over years, and with a regular colonoscopy you can ensure that polyps do not develop into tumors. This is a simple but extremely effective measure that helps to extend your lifespan and improve your quality of life. It is also one of the best ways to promote bowel health and therefore overall wellbeing.
FAQ questions: Colorectal cancer screening and bowel screening.
Who carries out the screening?
Colonoscopy can be carried out on an outpatient basis in a gastrointestinal practice in almost all cases. A colonoscopy may only be performed by doctors who have completed special training for this examination. To ensure good quality, gastroenterologists must prove that they have performed a specified minimum number of colonoscopies per year. There are also special hygiene regulations and quality standards for practices and clinics that carry out colonoscopies, compliance with which is monitored.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
As a rule, a colonoscopy is not associated with pain. However, some movements of the endoscope can be perceived as unpleasant. If the patient is given a short anesthetic, they will not feel any of the movements and will not notice the actual examination at all.
Eating before the colonoscopy?
Patients should not eat any foods containing grains for about three days before the examination. This also includes fruits containing grains, such as berries or kiwis. 24 hours before the examination, care should be taken not to eat any foods that are difficult to digest or cause flatulence. On the day before the colonoscopy, patients may eat an easily digestible breakfast, after which they should avoid solid food. Drinking plenty of fluids in the form of water, tea or broth helps to flush the bowel. In the afternoon or evening and in the morning immediately before the examination, the patient takes a laxative to completely empty the bowel. The laxative is taken as a liquid. If a patient has a sluggish bowel, it is important that a change in diet is started earlier.
How does a colonoscopy work?
During the colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a flexible endoscope (colonoscope) through the bowel. A sedative is administered before the examination so that most patients hardly notice the examination. The examination usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes and is one of the safest methods for the early detection of bowel cancer.
What happens if polyps are detected?
Polyps are found in around 50% of patients during a colonoscopy. If they are small and inconspicuous, a follow-up examination after 10 years is usually sufficient. However, larger or more conspicuous polyps require earlier follow-up (usually after 3-5 years). We use various polyp removal procedures, such as cold snare ablation or underwater EMR, to safely remove the polyps.
How long does the colonoscopy take and what happens afterwards?
The colonoscopy usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. You can eat and drink again immediately after the examination. However, it is recommended that you do not operate machinery or drive for 24 hours after the examination, as the effects of the sedative may linger. Aftercare depends on the results of the examination.
Colonoscopy - What to consider afterwards?
As colonoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure, the patient can go home on the same day. You can find out what a patient needs to look out for immediately after the examination in the following sections.
When can I eat afterwards?
You can eat and drink normally again after a colonoscopy. However, it sometimes takes a few days for digestion to settle down again and for everything to return to normal.
When can I go home?
In the case of sedation, it is recommended that the patient is monitored for a further 30 to 60 minutes. After that, the patient has recovered and can go home.
When can I drive again?
If sedation or even general anesthesia was used, the patient is prohibited from actively participating in road traffic. In the first 24 hours after the procedure, driving a car, riding a bicycle and generally taking an active part in public road traffic is prohibited. In this case, you should therefore always bring an accompanying person with you who can then drive you home.
What is the procedure for follow-up checks after a colonoscopy?
If polyps are small and inconspicuous, it is sufficient to have the next colonoscopy in about 10 years after their removal. However, if larger or more conspicuous polyps are removed, an earlier check-up is necessary, usually within 3 to 5 years. Regular monitoring ensures that any new polyps can be detected and removed at an early stage to minimize the risk of colorectal cancer.
How can I book an appointment for a colonoscopy at Vivomed in Bern?
To book a colonoscopy as part of the colorectal cancer screening program at Vivomed, you must first register in the screening program and complete the registration!
You can then register with us using your registration number. Before the examination, please ask the screening program whether you have been activated and enter the date.
How often should I be screened for bowel cancer?
- If the findings are normal: usually every 10 years
- For polyps: individually shorter check-up intervals
- In case of increased risk: adapted screening concept
The intervals are always tailored to your personal and family Stephan situation.
