Skin Cancer Awareness Month: UV Camera Campaign Reveals Why Proper Sunscreen Use Could Save Lives

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month – and public education is more crucial than ever. Once again in 2025, the German Association of Dermatologists (BVDD), in cooperation with the German Dermatological Society (DDG), launches a nationwide campaign to raise awareness. An impressive UV camera campaign visually demonstrates how effectively – or insufficiently – sunscreen is applied.

Everyday outdoor activities like gardening, walking, or biking may seem harmless, yet excessive UV exposure is one of the most significant risk factors for skin cancer. The numbers are alarming: In 2023, approximately 373,000 people in Germany were newly diagnosed with skin cancer, a notable increase from the previous year. The most dangerous type is malignant melanoma, also known as black skin cancer.

The campaign is part of the “Together Against Skin Cancer” initiative and runs under the motto “Join In – Protect Yourself!” Targeting all age groups, the campaign uses a UV camera to show which areas of the skin are properly protected by sunscreen – and which are often missed, such as the ears, back, or neck. The striking images reveal that sunscreen is only effective when applied thoroughly and evenly.

“We aim not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical advice,” says Dr. Cora Lu Overbeck, a practicing dermatologist in Hann. Münden and Secretary General of the BVDD. In addition to promoting correct sunscreen use, the campaign also encourages monthly self-checks for skin changes and participation in regular skin cancer screenings.

This year, the campaign also intensifies its presence on social media, aiming to engage younger audiences and promote lasting awareness about UV protection and skin health.