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Cancer Survivors Share Stories, Highlight Prevention

Hear from those who've faced cancer firsthand. Their stories underscore the power of prevention and early education.

In this image we can see few people standing and a person is holding a vaccine bottle and there is...
In this image we can see few people standing and a person is holding a vaccine bottle and there is a calendar and text on the image.

Cancer Survivors Share Stories, Highlight Prevention

Nearly half of all Germans will be diagnosed with a disease at some point, with almost half of these cases preventable. Three individuals shared their personal journeys at a recent event, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention. Sandra Zimmermann, diagnosed with skin cancer at 31, described her experience as life-altering, while Yvonne Koth and Dirk Rohde, both cancer survivors, emphasized the role of education and vaccination in prevention.

Sandra Zimmermann, now 35, wishes she had known more about disease risk factors earlier. She was diagnosed with skin cancer at 31, a 'small spot' that had a 'big impact' on her life. She still struggles with some limitations from her treatment. Yvonne Koth, terminally ill with metastases, keeps her cancer at bay with antibody therapy. She actively promotes cancer awareness and vaccination through social media, highlighting the importance of school events for early education about HPV-related cancers.

Dirk Rohde, a motorcycle policeman, returned to work after treatment for tongue cancer. He lost half of his tongue and had all lymph nodes in his neck removed. He, along with Dr. Uschi Traub and Yvonne Koth, works with the health promotion and planning department of the Ludwigsburg district health office to share their experiences and promote cancer prevention. Dr. Traub emphasizes the importance of regular preventive examinations and vaccinations against HPV and hepatitis B. Mirko Samietz, a school principal, agrees, stressing the significance of school events in cancer prevention.

The personal experiences of Sandra Zimmermann, Yvonne Koth, and Dirk Rohde serve as powerful reminders of the impact of cancer. Their involvement in cancer prevention, along with the efforts of Dr. Uschi Traub and others, underscores the importance of awareness, education, and prevention. Roughly half of the German population will face cancer, but with increased awareness and preventive measures, many cases can be avoided.

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