Skin cancer treatments in clinics have risen sharply

Skin cancer treatments in clinics have increased by nearly a quarter

07/29/2014

The number of skin cancer treatments in German hospitals has risen by almost a quarter. According to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, in 2012 nearly 92,000 patients were treated with this diagnosis in a clinic. This was an increase of more than 23 percent within five years.

Number of skin cancer patients increased by 23.4 percent
In German hospitals, the number of skin cancer patients has increased significantly. In 2012, a total of 91,900 patients were treated with this diagnosis in the hospital. As the Federal Statistical Office announced on Tuesday in Wiesbaden, this is an increase of 23.4 percent within five years. This was also the largest growth rate among all cancer treatments in the hospital. About a quarter of the patients (26.6 percent) had to undergo malignant melanoma („black“ Skin cancer). And just under three-quarters (73.4 percent) had received treatment for the diagnosis of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).

Men are slightly more affected than women
Overall, men were slightly more affected than women at 55.3 percent. In men occurs „black“ Skin cancer mainly on the body trunk, in women, however, especially on the lower extremities and the hip. Light-colored skin cancer affects both sexes, especially in areas of the body that are more exposed to sunlight, such as specific parts of the face, scalp, neck and ears. Of the skin cancer patients, three quarters were 65 years and older. Children, adolescents and young adults are therefore very rarely treated in the hospital.

UV radiation and hereditary factors as major risk factors
Too much UV radiation from the sun is considered one of the main risk factors for the development of skin cancer. The rays can damage the skin and cause cancer. Hereditary predispositions also play a role. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Germany. According to the German Cancer Society, up to 200,000 people in Germany suffer from it each year. And German Cancer Aid even expects around 234,000 new cases each year. More than 20,000 diagnoses alone concern the dangerous one „black“ skin cancer.

Discover malignant lesions early
Surgical procedures performed in skin cancer patients included, first and foremost, the extensive removal of the diseased skin and tumor tissue, transplants in the form of a skin flap replacement on the skin and subcutis, and temporary soft tissue coverage. The hospital stays lasted an average of 5.2 days. Although a skin cancer check would help detect malignant skin changes early, according to studies, only one out of three uses the option of screening. Statutory health insured persons over the age of 35 have a claim every two years for such a skin cancer screening from a dermatologist or a qualified family doctor.

Tips to avoid skin cancer
Expert tips to avoid skin cancer include above all a protection against UV radiation. So you should not expose yourself to strong sunlight, such as during the lunch time, wear appropriate clothing, headgear and sunglasses, use sufficient sunscreen, adjust the sun exposure to the skin type and avoid sunburn. In addition, it is advised to keep outdoor stays short, to seek shade, to lay outdoor activities in the morning or evening, and generally to get the skin used to the sun slowly. Special care should be taken to protect children and infants should not be exposed to the sun directly. (Ad)