In Germany, around one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. There are around 510,000 new diagnoses every year - and with over 230,000 deaths per year, cancer is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The most common types of cancer in Germany are lung, prostate and bowel cancer in men and breast, lung and bowel cancer in women.
Many of these fates could be prevented: At least 37 percent of all cancers in Germany are considered preventable if known risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and certain infections (e.g. HPV) were consistently avoided.
Other diseases can be avoided through secondary prevention, i.e. early detection examinations and screening programs. Such examinations are of crucial importance, as they often detect cancers at a curable stage and thus considerably improve the chances of recovery and significantly reduce mortality. If the possibilities of early detection are taken into account, the proportion of preventable cases rises to at least 50 percent.
"Cancer prevention is not a chore - it is one of the most effective ways to protect your own life," says Dr. Traub. Whether it's quitting smoking, taking more exercise or having regular check-ups, every health decision is a step towards a longer life and better quality of life.
Cancer prevention weeks also in the Ludwigsburg district
The National Cancer Prevention Week, a joint initiative of German Cancer Aid, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the German Cancer Society, will take place from September 1 to 7, 2025. This year's focus is on tobacco consumption - still the most important preventable risk factor for the development of cancer.
The Health Promotion and Health Planning Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office is taking up the topic and organizing the "Cancer Prevention Weeks" from the beginning of September to mid-October 2025 (calendar weeks 36 to 41). Numerous campaigns and information offers are intended to raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection and motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
