SURGE IN SKIN CANCER CASES OVER PAST 20 YEARS

BERLIN, MAY 28 /SRNA/ - The number of skin cancer cases treated in German hospitals has nearly doubled over the past two decades, Germany's Federal Statistical Office Destatis said.

According to the report, around 120,100 hospitalized patients were treated in 2024, representing a 95 percent increase compared to 2004.

An aging population is considered a key factor, as the risk of skin cancer rises significantly with age. Expanded screening programs introduced in 2008 have also contributed to detecting more cases.

Deaths have also increased, with around 4,600 people dying from skin cancer in 2024. This marks a 65 percent rise over 20 years, far exceeding the approximately 10 percent increase in the total number of cancer-related deaths overall.

More than half of those who died were aged 80 or older. Cases of non-melanoma skin cancer rose by 117 percent, while melanoma cases, cancers originating in pigment-producing cells and generally harder to treat, increased by around 42 percent.

Germany's Cancer Research Center said ultraviolet radiation remains the primary risk factor and called for proper and consistent sun protection.