Representation of skin carcinomas in public awareness – Awareness worldwide and in Germany

Abstract

Background and objectives: In recent years, there has been an increase in skin cancer. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the representation of skin cancer in public awareness worldwide and in Germany, and to determine whether Skin Cancer Awareness Month is represented in the search interests of the Internet-using population in the same way as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. Data and methods: In this study, Google Trends data were used to track levels of public awareness for different tumor entities and skin cancer types worldwide and for Germany. Results: The results of this analysis clearly showed a high level of relative public search interest in breast cancer worldwide in the awareness month of October. Worldwide and in Germany, there was a certain increase in search interest and a certain seasonal effect around the May awareness month for skin cancer. For example, the analysis showed a search interest in May and during the summer months in Germany. Conclusions: It is likely that the population, for example in Germany, may benefit further from an even greater emphasis on the topic of skin cancer.