The event drew a huge crowd that gathered in the foyer of the ballroom. Celebrity guests included advertising icon Verona Pooth, TV host Nina Ruge, athlete Vladimir Klitschko, actors Bruno Eyron and Erol Sander. “It is a very good cause to be committed to,” said Erol Sander. “I was 33 when I had my first colonoscopy. Felix Burda was exactly that age when he died. This is why the issue is so important to me. It is never too early to get a preventive medical checkup,” cautioned the actor. This was an opinion shared by the vast majority of guests who visited the gala event at Berlin’s Hotel Adlon. Colon cancer is the second most common form of cancer in Germany. Identified in time, almost 100 percent of cases are treatable. This is why prevention is so essential.

“I am sure that many balk at the effort involved,” assumed actress Gerit Kling. “You have to see a doctor, you must fast for a day in order to purge and are administered anesthesia, etc. But the relief afterwards is worth it,” explained the actress who has some family history of colon cancer. Last year’s laureate, Nina Ruge, also made an argument for frequent checkups: “This is the only way to prevent colon cancer.” Despite the serious topic, the mood in the foyer of the ballroom was relaxed. Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne and canapés prior to the gala dinner and the award ceremony staged in the ballroom.

Sandra Maischberger hosted the event that put the spotlight on boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko. The athlete received the Stars for Prevention Award to honor his commitment to colon cancer prevention. “I share today’s award with many other people. Every ambassador of the campaign deserves this award,” the boxer commented modestly in an interview with BUNTE Online.

Part of the campaign is an informative TV spot in which Vladimir Klitschko, Barbara Schöneberger and Verona Pooth demonstrated their support for the cause. It is a given that the stars also set an example for others. “I had a colonoscopy, and it was only half as bad as one thinks,” said Verona Pooth. “I am a wife and mother now, so I have a certain responsibility. I want to be healthy for my family. My husband Franjo also went in for a colonoscopy. And I am very proud that he volunteered to do it—as a man,” the entertainer added.

Professional boxer Sven Ottke, who was accompanied by his girlfriend Monique, has not risen to the challenge yet: “It is actually quite an unpleasant thought. But I want to do it before I turn 45.” Let’s hope that many people learn a lesson from the stars and also get a colonoscopy. Prevention helps to save lives!