Cancer scan: Insurer HanseMerkur offers annual blood tests - but is there really any benefit?

Cancer scan: Insurer HanseMerkur offers annual blood tests - but is there really any benefit?

According to a report by www.br.de, HanseMerkur has introduced an insurance package called Krebs-Scan, which includes an annual blood test for the early detection of cancer. If the test result is positive, further investigations will be financed. A study by the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf forms an important basis for the information on cancer scans. However, there is now criticism of this study, which states that the blood test does not offer a clear advantage for early cancer detection and can potentially lead to uncertainty and radiation exposure. The Cancer Society working group and various medical professors also expressed concerns and accused the insurance package of “charlatanism”.

Despite the criticism, HanseMerkur is sticking to its offer and emphasizes that the blood test provides correct information about cancer in most cases. The University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf has not yet issued a statement on the criticism and is currently in an official ombudsman procedure to clarify the allegations. Stiftung Warentest also expressed skepticism about Krebs-Scan and described the policy as “dispensable”.

These criticisms of Krebs-Scan can have a significant impact on the market and consumers. Consumers may refrain from taking advantage of the insurance policy due to doubts about the effectiveness of the blood test. This could lead to sales figures falling and HanseMerkur having to adjust its sales forecasts downwards. In addition, the company's reputation could be damaged, which could deter potential customers. The criticism could also lead to regulatory pressure, which could force HanseMerkur to revise the insurance package or withdraw it from the market.

Overall, the criticism of Krebs-Scan shows that the introduction of new products into the healthcare market should be carefully examined in order to avoid possible negative effects on consumers and the market. The effectiveness and safety of such products must be carefully evaluated and transparently communicated to build trust among consumers. This is particularly important in a sensitive area such as early cancer detection, where false promises and defective products can have serious consequences.