[Prevention in Gastroenterology]

Gastroenterology offers a broad, evidence-based range of preventive measures that goes beyond colorectal cancer screening. As a specialty of systemic relevance, it plays a key role in preventing, detecting, and controlling severe diseases - from colorectal and liver cancer to pancreatic, esophageal, and gastric cancers. Preventive strategies include lifestyle interventions, structured screening programs, vaccination approaches, and targeted early detection in high-risk groups. The success of statutory programs such as colorectal cancer and hepatitis screening highlights the potential of early interventions. However, gaps remain between the evidence-based recommendations of the DGVS guidelines and clinical practice. There is also a substantial need for further research, particularly in developing risk-adapted prevention strategies, innovative diagnostic tools, and in harnessing health data and artificial intelligence. A coordinated, cross-sector prevention strategy is essential to structurally anchor and further advance gastroenterological prevention. The declaration of a "National Decade for Prevention" would represent a logical continuation of the National Decade Against Cancer - fully leveraging the preventive potential of gastroenterology for the benefit of patients and the healthcare system.