Woman from Zollernalb says: This is how I survived black skin cancer!

Woman from Zollernalb says: This is how I survived black skin cancer!

What's going on in the Zollernalb district? A 59-year-old woman anonymously shares her deep struggle with black skin cancer, also known as melanoma. Five years ago she received the shocking diagnosis: “I have good news and bad news for you,” her doctor announced. The melanoma on the thigh was discovered early, which necessitated immediate surgical intervention in the dermatology clinic at the University of Tübingen. Fortunately, the cancerous tumor was completely removed. The first corona lockdown began just a week after the operation, putting many medical procedures on hold.

The woman is very aware of the risks associated with her medical history. More than 30 years ago, she read an article about rising skin cancer cases. She now belongs to the risk group of “baby boomers”, who often have many birthmarks and light skin. The fact that her mother was diagnosed with black skin cancer about 15 years ago made her more aware of the need for regular check-ups. Despite this personal tragedy, in which she can see her siblings and children spared from black skin cancer so far, her sister has already been diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer.

The importance of early detection

Regular skin screenings are a crucial factor in the early detection of skin cancer. The Cancer Information Service highlights that early detection of skin cancer is supported by structured screening programs and information guidelines. These include, among other things, the “Oncology Guideline Program”, which offers patients comprehensive information on prevention. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians also provides information about special programs for insured people under the age of 35. These measures not only provide a better overview of the skin condition, but also increase the chances of successful treatment in the early stages.

The numbers speak for themselves: According to this BARMER doctor's report The frequency of malignant melanoma has increased by 121% since 2005. More than 417,400 cases were diagnosed in 2023. What is particularly noticeable is that the rate of new cases for women is higher than for men up to the age of 65; after this age limit the picture changes. Research also shows that awareness of UV hazards and preventative measures such as avoiding tanning beds have been able to reduce the risk of skin cancer in younger cohorts.

A personal mission

The person affected has a clear wish: She wants to break the taboo surrounding cancer and motivate others to actively engage with their health. She has become cautious and avoids “Dr. Google” so as not to be unsettled by information from the Internet. When visiting a doctor, for example to the dentist or gynecologist, she asks for routine examinations of the mucous membranes for possible changes. This allows her to stay active and feel in control of her health.

In conclusion, it can be said that early detection and education about skin cancer are of great importance in rural areas. Thanks to the increasing amount of information and access to preventive examinations, the hope is increasing that more and more people can react to skin changes in a timely manner and effectively fight skin cancer. The 59-year-old woman's experiences remind us how important it is to stay active and regularly check your health.