German Cancer Hospitalizations Hit 20-Year Low in 2022
Decline in Cancer-Related Hospital Stays Amid Improvements in Prevention and Treatment
(Wiesbaden, Germany) – In 2022, approximately 1.40 million patients were hospitalized for cancer treatment, marking the lowest number of inpatient cancer treatments in the past 20 years, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) in light of World Cancer Day Friday.
Compared to the previous year, which was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cancer-related hospital stays decreased by 2%. This decline may be attributed to advancements in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment methods. Despite the decrease in cancer hospitalizations, the overall number of hospital treatments remained relatively stable, with only a slight increase of 0.3%.
Cancer remains the second most common cause of death following circulatory system diseases. Lung and bronchial cancer are among the most prevalent types of cancer, continuing to pose significant health challenges.
This data underscores the ongoing importance of cancer research and healthcare system support to further reduce the burden of this disease and improve patient outcomes.