Screening month March

Artificial intelligence detects bowel cancer

Artificial intelligence takes prevention to a new level.

(Bild: fotofraller.at)

March is Colorectal Cancer Prevention Month: Doz. Dr. Thomas Horvatits explains the new screening methods. The big interview.

Year after year, the topic of bowel cancer is brought into focus during the month of March. We spoke to Doz. Dr. Thomas Horvatits, specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology, and head of Gastromedics in Eisenstadt. This is the first practice in Burgenland to routinely use artificial intelligence in colonoscopy in addition to the conventional procedure in order to achieve even greater safety and the best possible bowel cancer screening.

"Krone": For many years now, the month of March has been dedicated to colorectal cancer screening. Why is this important?
Doz. Dr. Thomas Horvatits:  We want to educate people and raise awareness of this common cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and is also the third most common cancer in Austria after breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung tumors. The special feature of bowel cancer is that cancer can be prevented by a simple screening examination - colonoscopy - in which preliminary stages (polyps) are removed.

The screening recommendations for effective colorectal cancer screening have been updated; women and men should now undergo screening from the age of 45. Why? 
Current studies show that bowel cancer screening is also an important issue for people under 50. A recently published study reported an increase in bowel cancer and its precursors in men under 50. The Austrian Cancer Aid and the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology have therefore updated their recommendations and now recommend colonoscopy from the age of 45.

Doz. Dr. Thomas Horvatits is a specialist in internal medicine and heads the Gastromedics Institute.

(Bild: Gastromedics)

What is the importance of early detection of bowel cancer and what methods are available? 
Measures for the early detection of bowel cancer are very important, and there are various procedures. For example, there is a stool test that can detect tiny, invisible amounts of blood. If this test is positive, a colonoscopy should be performed promptly. It is important to note that a colonoscopy is a genuine preventive measure, i.e. precancerous lesions can be removed before cancer develops. The stool test, on the other hand, is primarily aimed at the early detection of bowel cancer.

What progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer in recent years? 
In recent years, progress has been made in the early detection of bowel cancer through awareness-raising work and corresponding information campaigns, as well as improved diagnostic options. This is very important because the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

Colonoscopy plays a key role in both the prevention and early detection of bowel cancer. A high-quality colonoscopy is certainly the gold standard for preventing bowel cancer. Preparation is particularly important here, for example, i.e. ensuring that the bowel has been flushed well - because only then can small polyps be detected and removed. Other current developments include the use of artificial intelligence during colonoscopy. Here, AI algorithms support the doctor so that polyps can be detected with a high degree of accuracy.

What factors increase the risk of developing bowel cancer and how can people reduce their risk? 
The frequency of developing bowel cancer is linked to age, so the risk increases with age. However, a family or genetic predisposition also plays a significant role. For example, if you have relatives who have suffered from bowel cancer, your own risk is also increased and prevention is all the more important. Other risk factors that can be influenced are smoking, alcohol, obesity and excessive consumption of red meat and highly processed sausages. This means that we can make a contribution with a healthy lifestyle: a healthy diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of cancer.