Skin cancer in Hesse: recovery due to climate and unequal distribution!

Skin cancer in Hesse: recovery due to climate and unequal distribution!

In Hesse there is a worrying picture when it comes to the distribution of skin cancer diagnoses. The latest data from the AOK Health Atlas show that the incidence of light and black skin cancer varies greatly from region to region. What is particularly striking is that the diagnosis frequency in the rural regions of the state is significantly higher than in the urban centers in the south. In 2023, around 2.63 percent of the Hessian population was affected by non-melanoma skin cancer, with women affected at 2.69 percent and men at 2.57 percent. In Frankfurt, for example, the number of people affected was only 1.7 percent, but in the Werra-Meißner district it was an alarming 4.1 percent.

An interesting observation is that the distribution of black skin cancer – the much more dangerous form – also varies greatly. While only 0.29 percent of the population in Frankfurt is affected, the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district has a comparatively high rate of 0.65 percent. Christoph-Gerard Stein from the AOK Hessen Medical Competence Center explains that these differences can also be attributed to the age structure of the population, as skin cancer occurs primarily in older people. With advancing population development, increasing life expectancy and the effects of climate change, further increases in diseases are expected in the future.

Hesse is at the top when it comes to diagnosis rates

The figures published in the medical report by the Barmer health insurance company are particularly alarming. Hesse and the neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate lead the list of malignant skin cancer diagnoses in Germany. In 2023, 549 out of 100,000 Hessians and 553 out of 100,000 Rhineland-Palatinate residents received the diagnosis of “malignant melanoma of the skin”. For comparison: the nationwide average is 495 cases per 100,000. The factors for these high rates include the age structure of the population and exposure to UV radiation.

The risk of skin cancer is significantly higher, especially for the baby boomer generation born after 1950. The good news: Skin cancer screenings are free for those with statutory health insurance over the age of 35, which increases the chances of early detection and thus improved therapy. However, it should not be ignored that no sunscreen offers 100 percent protection against harmful UV radiation. It is also often pointed out that sunscreen is often not applied in the necessary amount and not over the entire area.

Prevention and education

The increasing numbers make it clear that preventive measures are becoming even more important. Education about the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of regular skin checks is crucial. In particular, younger age groups should be encouraged to use sunlight responsibly, as they have a decreasing risk of skin cancer compared to older age groups.

In order to successfully meet the challenges that skin cancer brings with it, a combination of prevention, education and good health awareness among the population is of great importance. In this way, an increase in the coming decades can be counteracted. The coming years will show whether the education and prevention initiatives are paying off. Borken newspaper and Hesse show report comprehensively on this topic.