Consequence of climate change: Skin cancer cases in Bavaria are increasing rapidly - but inexplicable distribution of the variants

Created: 07/28/2022, 14:25

By: Felix Herz

It is another consequence of climate change: The cases of skin cancer in Bavaria have increased rapidly in the last ten years (symbol image).

© VW Pics / IMAGO

Compared to 2011, there are significantly more cases of skin cancer in Bavaria ten years later.

This is the result of statistics from the commercial health insurance company.

Munich – Climate change and its consequences: one of the most important topics this summer.

Be it the countless fires in Bavaria, the brutal drought in Italy or the melting ice in the mountains: Global warming is currently showing itself in all its many facets.

The dangers to health are also increasing, and not only due to extended periods of heat.

As can be seen from statistics from the commercial health insurance company, the number of cases of skin cancer in the Free State has increased rapidly in the last decade.

More cases of skin cancer in Bavaria: The causes

The commercial health insurance company (KKH) is one of the largest statutory health insurance companies in Germany.

With 1.6 million members, their analyzes are therefore considered representative.

And the figures that have now been presented are anything but positive: in the last ten years, since 2011, 54 percent more people have been treated for the malignant and life-threatening black skin cancer in Bavaria.

The KKH announced on Thursday, July 28, that white skin cancer, which can heal better if it is detected and treated early, is 46 percent more.

The cash register explains this increase with climate change.

The summers are hotter, there are more hours of sunshine and the stronger UV rays are all damaging to the skin.

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Black skin cancer more common in Bavaria than white: the reason is unclear

But not only climate change is to blame for the increase in cases of skin cancer.

The leisure activities have also changed, it is said.

"Outdoor activities such as walking, jogging and cycling, but also trend sports such as trail running and stand-up paddling have increased significantly," explains the KKH.

"All of this means that we are more frequently and more intensely exposed to the sun's UV radiation."

However, the KKH cannot explain one detail of the statistics: Bavaria is well above the nationwide rate of increase for black skin cancer, and below it for white skin cancer.

Study: Hot summers lead to skin cancer and breakdowns more often

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