Two Days at the 37th German Cancer Congress in Berlin

One thought continues to occupy our minds: Globally, we could be significantly further ahead in the fields of cancer prevention and follow-up care. According to the WHO, nearly 40% of cancer cases worldwide could be preventable—that is, 4 out of every 10 diagnoses. Cancer is not merely a matter of fate; in many cases, it is also the result of modifiable risks such as smoking, alcohol consumption, a high Body Mass Index (BMI), physical inactivity, and air pollution. Added to these are factors such as UV radiation, infectious agents, and occupational exposures. In total, there are around 30 modifiable risk factors [1]. It appears that prevention currently navigates a space between individual responsibility and governmental restraint—between public education and the fear of paternalism. Prevention must not be relegated to the sidelines. We already have access to a range of services, from gynecological and urological examinations to—starting in April 2026—lung cancer screening. Taking advantage of these opportunities is not merely an option, but a genuine opportunity. A second issue that has particularly engaged our attention is the follow-up care for adults who survived cancer during childhood. The good news is that cure rates for many childhood cancers are steadily rising. Nevertheless, years later, many of these former patients continue to struggle with the long-term effects of their treatment, chronic illnesses, or secondary tumors. This creates a gap in care [2]. For us, patient-centered medicine entails not only innovative therapies but also early education, accessible preventive services, and continuous support throughout every stage of life.