Cancer screening is becoming more personalized

This is because people with certain genetic predispositions or unhealthy lifestyles, for example, often have a higher risk of developing cancer. The aim of the new research projects is to take these differences into account so that screening can be more effective and targeted.

Four major research projects – one common goal
German Cancer Aid is providing €3.3 million in funding for four research projects on the topic of “risk-adapted cancer screening.” The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is also funding four other projects as part of the National Decade Against Cancer.

At BIPS in Bremen, a team led by Professor Ulrike Haug, head of the Clinical Epidemiology department, Professor Krasimira Aleksandrova, also from BIPS, and Professor Benjamin Schüz from the Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research at the University of Bremen is investigating how common genetic risks for cancer are in the population. The researchers are using data from around 200,000 people from all over Germany. Their aim is to find out whether it will be possible in future to better assess who is at higher risk – and how this can be taken into account in early cancer detection.

Another project is investigating how women aged 50 to 54 can be better informed about their personal risk of breast cancer. The aim is for every woman to know exactly how to assess her risk and what she can do for her own health.

Modern technology also plays a role: another research team is developing a method that uses artificial intelligence to examine images of the breast and thus better identify those for whom a normal examination is not sufficient.

Finally, in the field of colon cancer, researchers are investigating whether certain threshold values in stool tests can be adjusted to personal risk – for example, if someone smokes or has an unhealthy diet.

Using knowledge to save lives
The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. That is why it is so important that early detection tests are as effective as possible. The new studies are helping to further develop the system – away from blanket recommendations and toward individually tailored services.

In the future, the results of this research could enable doctors to provide their patients with more targeted advice and examinations. This can help detect tumors earlier – and potentially save lives.

BIPS – Health research for the benefit of people
The population is at the heart of our research. As an epidemiological research institute, we see our task as identifying the causes of health problems and developing new concepts for disease prevention. Our research provides a basis for social decisions. It informs the population about health risks and contributes to a healthy living environment.

BIPS is a member of the Leibniz Association, which comprises 96 independent research institutions. The Leibniz Institutes cover a wide range of disciplines, from the natural sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences to economics, spatial sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes are dedicated to addressing socially, economically, and ecologically relevant issues.