Further research significant
Cancer prevention and early cancer detection
Prevention is part of holistic cancer treatment. There are proven effective measures that can reduce the individual risk of developing cancer. These are summarized under the term primary prevention. These include abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, a balanced diet and sufficient exercise.
Cancer cannot be prevented in every case - but "early cancer detection and cancer prevention, such as regular physical activity, can significantly reduce mortality" (Prof. Tobias Pukrop, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center East Bavaria).
The BZKF therefore attaches great importance to researching and establishing new approaches to early cancer detection and prevention.
Development of new prevention strategies in Bavaria
The BZKF has set itself the goal of creating an overarching program for cancer prevention and early detection.
In 2024, the BZKF received funding for the first time to support tertiary cancer prevention projects. These projects include research into how the progression of cancer can be slowed down and how tumors can be prevented from recurring.
This funding encourages researchers in Bavaria in the field of tertiary prevention to carry out joint cross-site scientific projects with patients suffering from cancer, which also set international standards.
Every individual can do a lot to actively prevent cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Further general information on the subject of early detection and prevention can be obtained via the free Citizens' Cancer Helpline on 0800 - 85 100 80 or in the current cancer prevention flyer from the BZKF.
BZKF is a member of the Alliance for Prevention
The BZKF has launched a number of initiatives to further advance cancer research. The focus is currently on prevention with active education and an HPV vaccination campaign. The Bavarian State Minister for Health, Care and Prevention Judith Gerlach emphasized on the occasion of the ceremonial acceptance of the BZKF into the Bavarian Alliance for Prevention: "Prevention is a task for each individual and for society as a whole. Together, we can achieve a lot! 151 partners from all areas of society and the Bavarian state ministries are already represented in our Alliance for Prevention. I am delighted that the BZKF has joined us as another strong partner and that we are officially reaffirming our already excellent cooperation. Together with the alliance partners, we want to set the course for more health literacy, prevention and early detection in Bavaria in the Prevention Master Plan."
Active against cancer
The merger of the six university hospitals in Bavaria under the umbrella of the BZKF not only offers patients access to cutting-edge oncological medicine close to home, but also to comprehensive research and the development of new cancer prevention strategies.
The Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention supports this development with a wide range of information: Active against cancer.
Ten rules to prevent cancer:
Everyone can do a lot to actively prevent cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
- Don't smoke!
You are putting your health and the health of others at risk! Around a third of all cancer cases are attributable to smoking.
- Watch your weight!
An unbalanced diet and being overweight are the cause of certain cancers in up to 20 to 40 percent of cases. For example, being overweight can increase the risk of oesophageal, breast, uterine or bowel cancer.
- Make sure you get enough physical activity!
At least half an hour of exercise a day is recommended for adults. For example, use your bike to get to work and take part in the "Cycle to work" campaign.
- Eatmore fresh fruit and vegetables - at least five portions a day!
Limit your intake of foods containing animal fats.
- Only drink alcohol in moderation!
Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of certain cancers, for example in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract.
- Protect your children and yourself from too much sun!
The skin never forgets sunburn. Too long and intensive exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer.
- Be aware of risks in the workplace and comply with safety regulations!
Employees can be exposed to carcinogenic substances (e.g. benzene, dioxins, asbestos) in the workplace.
- Go for regular cancer screening examinations!
The following cancer screening examinations are available in Germany: breast cancer (clinical breast examination from the age of 30, mammography screening from the age of 50), colorectal cancer (from the age of 50), cervical cancer (from the age of 20), skin cancer (from the age of 35) and prostate cancer (from the age of 45).
- Take advantage of bowel cancer screening from the age of 50!
Bowel cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in Germany for both sexes. If detected early, bowel cancer is usually curable.
- Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute for all children and adults with an increased risk of infection.
Ask your doctor for advice on vaccination against hepatitis B. The vaccination effectively prevents chronic liver inflammation and thus the development of liver cancer. All girls between the ages of nine and 14 should also be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) to protect against cervical cancer.
Do not smoke!
In Germany, around 28.8% of adults smoke regularly or occasionally. This corresponds to around 12 million people.
Every year, around 110,000 to 140,000 people in Germany die as a result of smoking, making it the most common preventable cause of death.
In our YouTube videos, Dr. Florian Fuchs (Head of Pneumology, University Hospital Erlangen) explains the effects of smoking on the body, how to quit, etc.
Click on the images to watch the respective YouTube video (you will leave the BZKF website and be taken to YouTube).