Israel Once Had the Second Highest Skin Cancer Rate in the World
In 2003, Israel was ranked 2nd in the world for having the highest skin cancer rate per capita.
Now they sit at 23rd in the world.
What did they do to fall so dramatically in the rankings?
1. The Israel Cancer Association (ICA) ran the “Smart in the Sun” program: This program warned Israelis about the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of protective measures such as sunscreen.
2. The ICA also runs an annual “Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Awareness Week”: During this week, every Israeli is entitled to free skin cancer screenings through Israel’s national health system. This initiative increases early diagnosis rates.
3. Educational programs were introduced in schools: These programs teach students from a young age about the dangers of UV radiation. The curriculum teaches students to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 am - 4 pm).
4. Investments in medical research: Israel has made substantial investments in medical research, particularly in immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma.
5. Public health campaigns promoting regular skin checks: These campaigns have led to Israelis getting check-ups frequently. In 2019, it was reported that 92% of melanoma cases were diagnosed early, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
These measures collectively contributed to a significant decrease in skin cancer cases in Israel.
For context, here are the global rankings of other countries in the region based on their skin cancer rates per capita:
Lebanon | 141st
Syria | 140th
Saudi Arabia | 158th
Egypt | 121st
Iraq | 137th
Yemen | 175th
As you can see, even after all of Israel’s efforts to combat the issue, they still rank far higher on the list than other countries in the region.
It’s odd right?
For a group claiming to be indigenous to the land, their skin sure seems like it isn’t adapted to the climate.
Hmmmm, makes you wonder…
Mike