Overview

• Melanoma cases in Bavaria more than doubled from 29,250 in 2005 to over 71,150 in 2023, according to Barmer Krankenkasse data
• White skin cancer diagnoses in Bavaria surged to around 295,000 in 2023 from 112,200 in 2005, outpacing melanoma growth
• Men over 65 now exceed women in white skin cancer rates and have nearly closed the gender gap in melanoma diagnoses
• Experts link the rise to unprotected sunbathing trends of the 1960s–80s and a 1980s–90s tanning bed boom
• Health authorities emphasize regular skin checks and strict UV protection as the best defenses against further increases