The number of skin cancer cases has been increasing strongly for years. An alarming trend is particularly evident in Rhineland-Palatinate and in Saarland. But what are the causes and what protective measures are crucial?
Increasing cases in Rhineland-Palatinate
According to new evaluations of the Health insurance Barmer
are both black and white skin cancer on the rise in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Black skin cancer (malignant melanoma): The number of those affected more than doubled from around 9,700 in 2005 to around 23,000 in 2023.
- White skin cancer: Here too there is a dramatic increase. The number of those affected rose from around 32,500 in 2005 to 90,100 in 2023 – almost a tripling.
- In addition, hospital treatments due to white skin cancer increased by 84 %.
With about 553 cases, black skin cancer per 100,000 inhabitants is at the top of the federal states.
Doubling the cases in Saarland
There is also a significant increase in Saarland. According to the Barmer drug report, the number of people with black skin cancer has more than doubled within a few years. So far there are no separate numbers for white skin cancer. However, the health insurance company emphasizes that a clear upward trend is also recognizable here.
Black vs. white skin cancer: What is the difference?
- Black skin cancer (malignant melanoma): arises from pigment cells (melanocytes). Rare, but aggressive and life -threatening when it is recognized late.
- White skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, spinalioma): much more often, usually grows slowly, rarely metastasis. Nevertheless, he strongly stresses health and can penetrate deep into the tissue untreated.
Causes for the increase
Experts see several reasons for the increasing numbers:
- UV radiation: Intensive sunlight and solariums are the main trigger.
- Leisure behavior: Outdoor activities and sunbathing have become more popular.
- Sunburns in childhood and adolescence: particularly risky for later cancer.
- Demographic change: skin cancer occurs more often in old age. The aging population increases the trend.
- Improved diagnostics: Skin cancer is recognized earlier and more often today.
There are also gender differences. Women are often affected by black skin cancer, men more often by white.
Risk factors at an overview
Are particularly at risk:
- People with light skin who get easily sunburn.
- People with many or striking birthmarks.
- Families with skin cancer in history.
- People who were often unprotected in the sun as children or adolescents.
Prevention: What protects the skin?
Despite increasing numbers, there are effective protective measures:
Sun protection
Use creams with high sun protection factor. It is important to apply sunscreen regularly. Especially after swimming or sweating. Lips and ears should also not be forgotten because these areas are particularly sensitive.
Clothing and headgear also protect the skin. Some brands like Ker sunspecialize in UV protective clothing that offers significantly better protection than normal clothing.
Shadow
Especially in the noon between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you should avoid direct sun. Shadow places such as trees, parasols or pavilions significantly reduce the UV load. If you work or play a lot outside, you should use these times for breaks.
No solarium
Artificial UV radiation increases the risk massively and can damage the skin cells after just a few visits. Studies show that solarium use significantly increases the risk of black skin cancer, especially in young people. Alternatives such as self-tanners offer a safe tan without a risk of UV.
Early detection
From the age of 35, health insurance companies pay skin cancer screenings every two years. People with many birthmarks or striking liver stains should be dermatologists regularly before. Digital skin check apps can also also help to recognize changes at an early stage, but do not replace a medical examination.
Self -control
Check birthmarks regularly for the ABCDE rule. That means: check the birthmarks for asymmetry, irregular limitation, color differences, size and changes over time. Changes should be documented immediately and, if there are any abnormalities, doctually clarified. Photos for months can help recognize subtle developments early.
A health problem with a signal effect
The numbers from Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland are a clear warning signal. They show that skin cancer is on the rise nationwide. The increasing number of cases is increasingly burdening patients, patients and the health system.
Experts emphasize that only consistent education, prevention and early detection can break through the trend. If you consistently protect your skin and have it regularly checked, you significantly reduce the risk.
06.10.2025