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Sun protection in the Cham district: How to protect yourself effectively!
The Cham district will provide information about preventive measures for sun protection and skin cancer prevention at a health event on June 12, 2025.
Sun protection in the Cham district: How to protect yourself effectively!
The warm days are finally here and with them the joy of the sun! But the beginning of the sun season also brings with it the responsibility to take your own skin protection seriously. This was the central theme of the information event that recently took place in the Cham district office. Together with AOK Bayern, local doctors, pharmacies and the Bavarian Cancer Society, the participants were taught how to use the sun healthily. District Administrator Franz Löffler emphasized the importance of prevention and knowledge about proper skin protection.
Sunlight is not only a pick-me-up, it also promotes the production of vitamin D and strengthens our immune system. But be careful! Too much UV radiation can have negative health consequences. According to the report from the Cham district, the number of diagnoses of black skin cancer more than doubled between 2005 and 2023. In Germany, over 300,000 people develop skin cancer every year, with UV radiation being the main cause Federal Environment Agency confirmed.
Prevention strategies and tips
Dr. Johanna Etti, family doctor and deputy district administrator, gave tips on sun protection that everyone should take to heart: The midday sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. should be avoided, protective clothing, sun hats and sunglasses are a must. It is particularly important to use sunscreen with at least sun protection factor 30 and to reapply regularly, especially after bathing or sweating. However, only 25 to 30 percent of those eligible take advantage of the free skin cancer screening from the age of 35. Early detection is crucial in order to improve the chances of recovery and reduce costs for the healthcare system.
Other measures include the introduction of five UV index panels, which were handed over by the AOK to outdoor pools in the region. The UV index measures the UV radiation that causes sunburn and provides information about the risk of sunburn. The scale ranges from 1 (low) to over 11 (extreme); Sun protection is recommended from a value of 3. In summer the values in Germany often reach 8 to 9, and in high altitudes even up to 11, which makes the correct use of the sun even more important.
The health consequences of UV radiation
In addition to common cases of skin cancer, which have risen sharply since 2000, people who work outdoors are also at higher risk. Around seven million people in Germany are exposed to intense UV radiation every day. The German statutory accident insurance warns that even low levels of exposure can cause long-term health problems. Occupational diseases such as squamous cell carcinoma, which are caused by UV radiation, are on the rise. Between 2015 and 2022, over 38,000 cases were recognized.
The increasing UV pollution is also a consequence of climate change, which is leading to less cloud cover. Research projects such as GENESIS-UV are already investigating the solar exposure of outdoor workers in order to develop suitable protective measures. And the threat of low ozone events, which can cause sudden increases in UV irradiation, continues to pose major challenges.
So let's be careful when dealing with the sun! A good hand at sun protection not only protects your skin, but also your overall health. Stay informed and carefree through the summer!