Screening

Statutory health insurance funds in Germany have offered bowel cancer screening for over 30 years. In 2003 endoscopy of the bowel has been added to the tests offered for screening. Recent trials make it possible to better assess what benefits can be expected from the tests and what their disadvantages are. Read about what the different tests can do in our feature on screening.

In Germany there are not very many pregnant women infected with HIV. But it does happen that a woman does not realize that she is a carrier of the virus. If a woman finds out about her infection in time, the child can almost always be protected. Our fact sheet tells you whether you or your child can be infected with HIV during the pregnancy, what you can do for your child if it becomes necessary, and who may find out about HIV test results.

You will find interesting facts on the opportunities and risks of screening tests in this feature. You can find out, for example, why screening cannot prevent diseases, why false test results can have serious consequences, what questions can help make decisions about a screening, and what “IGeL” stands for in the German health care system.