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More and more people in Germany are suffering from skin cancer. Despite sunscreen, the risk in the sun increases – and every sunburn is one too many.
Berlin – For many people, sunbathing is simply part of summer. But the risk of skin cancer increases – even with sunscreen. In recent years, the number of hospital treatments for skin cancer has risen dramatically: in 2022 there were 75 percent more cases than twenty years previously, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
Dramatic increase in cases of light skin cancer: Sun rays suspected
According to Destatis, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have increased particularly sharply, with an increase of 109.4 percent compared to 2002. This type of cancer is suspected to be triggered by sunlight. Overall, men are more likely to suffer from skin cancer than women. 57 percent of those treated in hospital were male. Another worrying trend shows that while the number of deaths from cancer has increased by ten percent in the last 20 years, the death rate from skin cancer has increased by 65 percent.
A Forsa survey commissioned by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) in June found that 96 percent of respondents knew that UV radiation is carcinogenic. Despite this knowledge, sun protection is often neglected in the population. Around half of those surveyed had suffered sunburn in the last twelve months. Among 18- to 34-year-olds, the figure was as high as eight out of ten. “Sun protection is often a holiday topic,” commented BfS President Inge Paulini, stressing: “Every sunburn is one too many.” Because the skin remembers every ray of sun. According to experts, just five sunburns before the age of 20 increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life by 80 percent.
More sun, more risk: Why sunscreen alone is not enough to protect the skin
From the point of view of dermatologists, the best thing would be to avoid the sun. If that is not possible, sun protection is essential. But there is a problem with that too: “Anyone who lies in the sun with sunscreen on is lulled into a false sense of security,” says a statement from the Barmer regional association in Berlin/Brandenburg. There are several reasons for this: people often apply too little sunscreen, neglect to reapply it after swimming, or forget to apply areas that are then particularly at risk. Using expired sunscreen also increases the risk of skin cancer.
The information provided in this article is no substitute for consulting a doctor. Only specialists can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The use of medication or nutritional supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
In addition, people who wear sunscreen often spend more time in the sun. But sunscreens do not offer 100% protection, which is why dangerous UV rays can penetrate deep into the skin during long sunbathing sessions. “Avoid intensive sunbathing and sunbeds as a general rule. In sunny weather, do outdoor activities in the morning and late afternoon and seek out shady areas if possible,” recommends expert Carola Berking in an interview with the cancer portal Oncology today.
In addition to sunscreen, you should also pay attention to the UV index and “wear UV protective clothing, a hat or cap and sunglasses,” says Berking. Regular examinations can save lives: A study shows that 100 percent of skin cancers can be detected.
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