More skin cancer cases: Insurance company urges prevention
02.08.2024, 15:57
A health insurance company gives tips on how to protect yourself from UV radiation and urges people to take precautions. Carelessness at a young age increases the risk of cancer.
The number of skin cancer cases has increased in Hesse. (Symbolic image) © Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
The health insurance company Barmer warns against careless use of UV radiation. © Sina Schuldt/dpa
The number of skin cancer cases in Hesse has increased over the past ten years. In 2022, around 177,700 people in Hesse were diagnosed with skin cancer, explains the health insurance company Barmer, which extrapolated anonymized data from its insured persons to the total population. This corresponds to 2.8 percent of the population in Hesse. Ten years earlier, the figure was 2.3 percent.
The increase in melanoma is particularly worrying, rising from around 55,000 cases to around 61,600 cases in the same period, explains the health insurance company based on its calculations. Melanoma is dangerous because it can spread metastases, while white skin cancer usually remains localized.
Preventive examinations often free of charge
In view of this increase, the health insurance company recommends more intensive protection against UV radiation and regular preventive examinations. “The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better it can be treated,” explains Martin Till, regional head of Barmer in Hesse.
Nevertheless, in 2022, only 7.2 percent of women and 5.8 percent of men in the state had a preventive medical examination, it is said. From the age of 35, the examination is free of charge every two years for those with statutory insurance. Various health insurance companies such as Barmer also cover the costs for those under 35.
Sunburns at a young age increase cancer risk
Sunscreen alone does not offer complete protection, explains Till. “Anyone who exposes themselves to full sunlight with sunscreen on is lulled into a false sense of security. No sunscreen provides 100 percent protection against UV rays.” The protective effect can be greatly reduced by bathing or applying it irregularly. Effective protection includes a combination of sunscreen, long clothing and a hat.
According to Barmer, five sunburns by the age of 20 increase the risk of skin cancer by 80 percent. Careless exposure to sunlight at a young age increases the risk of significant health problems in old age, warns Till. Black skin cancer is particularly common in 60 to 69 year olds.
© dpa
