Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: Uniklinik Düsseldorf Invites Patients to Explore Next Steps

In March, as part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a walk-through digestive system model will be on display at ZOM II at Düsseldorf University Hospital. This interactive exhibit aims to educate visitors about colon cancer, its prevention, and treatment options.

The day, which is part of the Patient Information Day, will begin at 10 am with lectures presented by the Departments of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases. The lectures will cover tumor diseases in the digestive tract.

The Felix Burda Foundation, a German organization dedicated to colorectal cancer prevention, will be a key partner in this event. The Foundation promotes awareness, early detection, and supports research and public campaigns such as Colon Cancer Awareness Month in Germany. They also collaborate with other networks against colorectal cancer and run initiatives like Patient's Aid Bowel Cancer to support patients and increase preventive measures.

Visitors can expect an open discussion and Q&A session following the lectures, where representatives from various institutions and patient organizations will be present to answer questions and provide helpful tips and advice. These organizations include the SemiColon association (formerly Family Aid for Colon Cancer), Psychosocial Oncology (WPO), palliative care nurses, the Clinical Institute for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, the Psycho-oncology department at the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO Düsseldorf), and other nursing and nutrition experts.

The digestive system model at ZOM II (Center for Operative Medicine II, Ground Floor, Building 4) is available for visitors to explore. Here, individuals can learn about colon cancer, treatment options, and preventive measures from 10 am to 1 pm.

In addition, visitors can perform minimally invasive procedures on an OP simulator or use an endoscopy simulator to examine the digestive system.

It's important to note that colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Germany. In 2022, colon cancer was diagnosed in 54,610 people and was the cause of death for 22,670 people. Despite a free colonoscopy being available for those over 50 since 2002, only about 2% of insured individuals take advantage of this offer, according to the "Journal of Oncology."

Events like the one at Düsseldorf University Hospital aim to address this gap by educating the public about the importance of preventive screenings and early detection. By increasing awareness and knowledge, it is hoped that more lives can be saved from colon cancer.