Around 42,000 people in Austria are diagnosed with cancer every year, which – if detected early – is usually very easy to treat and in many cases even curable. At the peak of the corona crisis, however, the number of check-ups fell significantly. In the meantime, however, these health checks are being used more, according to a current survey by the market and opinion research institute Triple M., for which 1,000 Austrians were interviewed online on behalf of Donau Versicherung.
Awareness of one’s own health seems to be more pronounced than it used to be. According to the survey, the use of annual check-ups by the family doctor rose from 36 to 40 percent compared to the previous year, with every second person saying that they avoid smoking and do sport regularly. In addition, more attention is paid to mental health.
Caregiver man
When it comes to preventive care, there are still major differences between the sexes: Eight out of ten women take a smear test at their annual gynecologist visit, seven out of ten in the recommended age group have a mammogram every two years – an X-ray examination of the breast.
With the annual health check-up, these checks are among the most frequently performed cancer check-ups. Although men are theoretically aware of the prostate examination, the take-up rate is only 39 percent – despite the fact that prostate carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in Austrian men. When asked about health-related fears, every second Austrian answered that he was most afraid of cancer, followed by fears of strokes (36 percent) and mental illnesses, which have also increased. With “only” 20 percent, the respondents are significantly less afraid of Covid 19 disease than last year, when it was around 30 percent. Conclusion: Compared to the previous year, fewer Austrians are afraid of Covid-19, but the pandemic in general remains the most common concern at 32 percent. One in four (26 percent) fears poverty; Illnesses in general occupy third place in the “fear ranking” (21 percent).
These tests save lives
- The preventive medical check-up, also known as a “healthy check-up”, can be carried out once a year by anyone over the age of 18 with a resident doctor who has the appropriate contract or in the health centers of the ÖGK.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. With the breast cancer screening program, all women between the ages of 45 and 69 are invited to have a mammogram every 24 months. More information at www.frueh-erkennen.at
- In Austria, more than 6,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. A urological examination is recommended for men over the age of 45 for early detection.
- A colonoscopy is the most effective method for early detection of colon cancer and its precursors. It is recommended every ten years from the age of 50.
- A PAP smear can detect early stages of cancer. This check-up is recommended for women over the age of 18 once a year during the gynecological check-up.
- Skin cancer: The most important prevention is sun protection. In addition, an annual check-up by a dermatologist is recommended.
Source: Nachrichten
