The risk of developing cancer increases with age. But it can also affect young people. Prevention and early detection can be decisive for the success of treatment.
Jena (dpa/th) - According to the Thuringian Cancer Society, cancer prevention should already be an issue for adolescents. Managing Director Astrid Hessmer said this was already necessary at the age of 12 to 13 years.
Girls and boys in this age group should above all learn how to examine their own bodies. In the case of certain tumor diseases such as breast, testicular and skin cancer, these are an important supplement to the early detection examinations by doctors later in adulthood.
The cancer society, which includes doctors, researchers and patient representatives, is planning a nationwide awareness campaign for teenagers on cancer prevention and early detection. This includes a website tailored to this age group and so-called check-up cases with tactile models of breasts and testicles, which can be used in schools for voluntary health training. The campaign is scheduled to start in mid-February.
Before World Cancer Day next Saturday (February 4th), statutory health insurance companies have called for the early detection examinations they offer to be used. According to the central state cancer register, a good 12,200 adults in Thuringia were diagnosed with cancer in 2021.
In 2020 there were around 12,400, in 2019 almost 13,200. Figures for 2022 are not yet available. According to Hessmer, the qualitative evaluation of cancer cases with a view to the question of whether tumors were discovered at a later stage in the corona pandemic is still ongoing.
