21.11.2024 10:00
Colorful science, research results
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Table: Reasons for not using skin cancer screening
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Source: Forsa survey commissioned by the AOK Federal Association from March 22 to April 4, 2024
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Note on the use of image material: The use of the image material for the press release is permitted free of charge provided the source is mentioned. The images may only be used in connection with the content of this press release. If you need the image in a higher resolution or have any questions about further use, please contact the press office that published it directly.
Table: Development of participation in early cancer detection compared to the reference year 2019
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Source: WidO Early Detection Monitor 2024
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Cancer Prevention Day 2024 on November 28th: Focus on early detection of skin cancer
The participation rates in cancer screening examinations for those with statutory health insurance have developed very positively in the past year.
The AOK Federal Association and the German Cancer Society are the initiators
For this year’s “Cancer Prevention Day” on November 28th, the focus is on skin cancer screening.
The participation rates in cancer screening examinations for those with statutory health insurance have developed very positively in the past year. This is shown by the results of an analysis presented by the AOK Federal Association and the German Cancer Society in the run-up to this year’s “Cancer Prevention Day” on November 28th. There were significant increases in participation in colonoscopies for colon cancer prevention (plus 14.8 percent), in mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer (plus 5.1 percent) and in examinations for early detection of prostate cancer (plus 4.7 percent). compared to the comparative year 2019. The results are summarized in the “Early Detection Monitor 2024” of the AOK Scientific Institute (WIdO).
Only in the early detection of cervical cancer (minus 3.2 percent compared to 2019) and in skin cancer screening (minus 2.8 percent) were the participation rates slightly below the level before the corona pandemic (Figure 1). The latest data from the early detection monitor for the first quarter of 2024 also confirm the overall positive picture. “The slumps of the pandemic years are finally a thing of the past,” says Prof. Michael Ghadimi, President of the German Cancer Society. “The many appeals over the last two years to catch up on missed examinations seem to be fruitful.” Early detection of cancer or pre-cancerous lesions can significantly increase the chances of a cure. “We are therefore continuing to campaign together for participation in the examinations – especially since, despite the positive trend in all cancer screening examinations, there is still considerable potential for improvement,” says Dr. Carola Reimann, board member of the AOK federal association.
Large regional differences in participation in skin cancer screening
The initiators are focusing on skin cancer screening for this year’s “Cancer Prevention Day” on November 28th. Here the participation rates are lowest compared to the other early detection examinations. According to the WIdO early detection monitor, only around 20 to 30 percent of women and men have had this examination at least three times in the past ten years. Depending on the age group, 35 to 50 percent of people have not had a skin cancer screening at all in the past ten years. Men in younger age groups are particularly unlikely to take advantage of the offer. There are also clear regional differences in participation in skin cancer screening. An analysis of the take-up rates in the 400 districts and independent cities for the years 2021 to 2023 showed that the highest participation rates among women at over 50 percent were in Emmendingen, Rottweil and the Hohenlohe district (all Baden-Württemberg), in the Lower Saxony cities of Oldenburg, Gifhorn and Delmenhorst as well as in Offenbach in Hesse could be found. Among men, only Delmenhorst and the Hohenlohe district made it over the 50 percent mark. At the other end of the spectrum was the Bavarian city of Bamberg, with a participation rate of 13.2 percent for women and 12.7 percent for men. Particularly low participation rates were also recorded in Bayreuth in Bavaria, in the Rhein-Lahn district in Rhineland-Palatinate and in the Rheingau-Taunus district in Hesse.
Survey shows great lack of knowledge about early detection of skin cancer
A representative Forsa survey commissioned by the AOK Federal Association sheds light on the reasons for the low participation in skin cancer screening. Eligible respondents aged 35 and over who said they had not yet taken part in the early detection examination were asked why they did so (Figure 2). Around a quarter of those surveyed (25.9 percent) stated ignorance, with men giving this reason almost twice as often as women. One in five referred to long waiting times or uncertainty about eligibility. What is particularly noteworthy is that one in five (18.6 percent) did not consider screening necessary. 12.7 percent said they had no time for this examination (men 15.4 percent; women 9.5 percent). “The results make it clear that a lot of educational work is still necessary on this topic,” emphasizes AOK board member Carola Reimann. “Especially in view of the increasing exposure to UV radiation, this free offer from the statutory health insurance companies should be taken more seriously.” Statutory health insurance people aged 35 and over can have skin cancer screening carried out every two years by their family doctor or dermatologist upon presentation of their health card. “The best protection against skin cancer is consistent UV protection – a simple but effective measure to reduce your personal risk of skin cancer. The second important pillar of skin cancer prevention is regular participation in check-ups. In most cases, skin cancer is curable if it is detected early enough,” adds Prof. Michael Ghadimi from the German Cancer Society. The Forsa survey took place from March 22 to April 4, 2024; A total of 1,508 randomly selected people aged 18 and over were surveyed online.
Cancer Prevention Day annually on November 28th
The “Cancer Prevention Day” was launched in 2022 by the AOK and the German Cancer Society to increase awareness of early detection examinations. It takes place annually on November 28th. This year, the AOK is offering, among other things, interactive information about skin cancer checks according to the so-called “ABCDE” rule on aok.de. An updated version of the “Vorsorg-O-Mat” is also online. Here, users can find out about upcoming early detection examinations after entering individual information such as age and gender. Information films on the process and benefits of the individual early detection examinations complement the offer. Both partners will provide intensive information about the topic on their social media channels around “Cancer Prevention Day” on November 28th and encourage participation in the planned examinations.
AOK website for “Cancer Prevention Day”:
Download the WIdO’s “Early Detection Monitor 2024”:
Press contact
German Cancer Society eV
Angelina Gromes, Clara Teich
Tel: 030 322 93 29 -60 /-16
presse@krebsgesellschaft.de
AOK Federal Association
Dr. Kai Behrens
Tel: 01520 156 3042
presse@bv.aok.de
Considering the regional disparities in skin cancer screening highlighted in the article, what policy changes or community-based initiatives could help bridge these gaps and ensure equitable access to preventative care?
## Open-Ended Questions for Discussion Based on the Article
This article presents valuable insights into cancer prevention, specifically focusing on skin cancer. Let’s delve deeper into the key topics it raises through open-ended questions designed to spark discussion and encourage diverse perspectives.
**Section 1: Overall Participation in Early Detection:**
* The article highlights positive trends in cancer screening participation except for skin cancer. How can we effectively address the persisting low participation rates in skin cancer screening compared to other types of cancer screenings?
* Considering the pandemic’s impact on healthcare access, what strategies can be implemented to ensure consistent participation in all cancer screening programs moving forward?
**Section 2: Regional Differences in Skin Cancer Screening:**
* The article mentions large regional variations in skin cancer screening participation. What factors might be contributing to these disparities, and how can we ensure equitable access to preventative care across all regions?
* Should national campaigns be tailored to address the specific needs and cultural contexts of different regions regarding skin cancer awareness and prevention?
**Section 3: Reasons Behind Low Skin Cancer Screening Participation:**
* The article cites a lack of awareness as a significant barrier to skin cancer screening. What are some creative and effective ways to educate the public about the importance of early detection and address common misconceptions about skin cancer?
* Beyond awareness campaigns, what practical steps can individuals and healthcare providers take to make skin cancer screening more accessible and encourage participation?
**Section 4: Role of UV Protection & Individual Responsibility:**
* The article emphasizes the importance of both UV protection and regular check-ups. How can we encourage individuals to adopt sun-safe practices as part of their daily routine?
* What role does personal responsibility play in skin cancer prevention, and how can we empower individuals to take charge of their health?
**Section 5: Moving Forward: Continuous Improvement and Innovation:**
* What future innovations or advancements in early detection technologies could further improve skin cancer prevention and treatment?
* How can we foster greater collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to continuously enhance cancer prevention efforts?
By engaging in these discussions, we can better understand the multifaceted nature of cancer prevention and work collectively towards a future where early detection and effective interventions save lives.
