Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and in Belgium. Approximately 40% of all cancers discovered today are a type of skin cancer. 1 in 5 people will be confronted with skin cancer before the age of 75. In 2019, there were 45,733 new cases in Belgium. It is also the only cancer that has increased significantly in the past two decades. Furthermore, a further increase is expected in the next ten years.
High time to be prepared and turn the tide, because a large part of skin cancers can be prevented by protecting oneself well against UV rays (sun and sunbed). The Foundation against Cancer calls on the government to support a national action plan that includes prevention, detection, and treatment to be prepared for these increasing numbers.
What challenges do we face? What effective actions need to be taken in the future? The Foundation against Cancer created a White Paper on the situation in Belgium with recommendations for the future and published a UV monitor with an overview of the evolution of Belgians' behaviour and the first results of 10 years of UV prevention.
More information on Research into skin cancer or melanoma
Source: The skin cancer pandemic and the sun behaviour of Belgians | Foundation against Cancer
