From the start of April, heavy smokers in Germany will be entitled to a free annual examination for the early detection of lung cancer.
While the number of smokers is decreasing in Germany, smoking is still widespread. Tobacco taxes in the country are among the lowest in Europe, earning it the unfortunate moniker of Europe’s "smoker's paradise".
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Germany, but it is often diagnosed late. This new offer from Germany's public health insurance companies is aimed at changing that.
Who can get a free lung cancer screening?
Starting April 1st, active and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 75 are entitled to be examined every 12 months using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).
To qualify, individuals must have smoked for at least 25 years without a long break and have accumulated at least 15 'pack-years'. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked.
Former smokers are only eligible if they have quit within the last 10 years.
Users of other tobacco products are not currently included in the program.
The service is covered by the statutory health insurance companies. So it's free for anyone meeting the above requirements who has public health insurance.
READ ALSO: The check-ups you can get in Germany with statutory health insurance
Where to get tested
Although patients' entitlement to screenings is to begin from April 1st, it may take some time before appointments are offered in clinics and hospitals across Germany.
Generally patients who would like to get a screening can check with their general doctor who can refer them to a radiology practice. Some doctor's offices may also offer the screening in-house, but many will need some time to clear administrative reviews and quality assurance before they can do so.
The program is already underway in some locations in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Appointments for the examination can already be booked at Berlin's Charité hospital, for example. Those interested can check their eligibility and schedule an appointment via the Charité website.
Screenings will also begin in April at the Berlin Lung Cancer Center at the Helios Clinic Emil von Behring.
According to a report byTagesspiegel, other hospitals in Berlin plan to join the program soon, such as Vivantes, which intends to offer screenings at its outpatient clinics and at at least three hospital locations once necessary approvals are granted.
READ ALSO: Why does Germany still have such lax rules on smoking?
Because lung cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, it’s often caught late.
According to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), around 56,500 people in Germany are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
It is the leading cause of cancer death among men in Germany, with approximately 28,000 deaths annually, and the second leading cause among women, with 17,000 deaths.
The new screening entitlement aims to change that trend by identifying tumours while they are still at a treatable stage more often. The use of low-dose CT can detect suspicious changes before they become life-threatening.
Comments