Should Screening Colonoscopy Be Offered From Age 50?: Results From a Statewide Pilot Project, and From a Randomized Intervention Study

Background The introduction of colonoscopic screening in 2002 for persons aged 55 and older was followed by a marked decline in the incidence of colon cancer in the corresponding age groups in Germany. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasia among persons aged 50 to 54 has remained unknown until now. Expert committees currently recommend colonoscopic screening for persons aged 50 and older. This option has been offered since 2014 by the AOK Baden–Wurttemberg and by Bosch BKK in the framework of their specialized medical care program.