Abstract
Background
Skin cancer cases are rising globally, increasingly affecting younger people due to factors like sun exposure and lifestyle. Its severity ranges from early to advanced metastatic stages, with malignant melanoma often causing visible bodily changes. Beyond the burdens of cancer diagnosis, individuals with skin cancer may also experience psychosocial disruptions and stigmatization. However, research into the lived experiences remains limited. This study explores the social and psychosocial impacts of a skin cancer diagnosis and the coping strategies people develop.
Methods
The data basis consists of semi-structured, narrative interviews with individuals diagnosed with skin cancer in Germany, conducted between August 2024 and August 2025. Interviews were gathered using a maximum variation sampling strategy. The data will be analyzed thematically. The study is part of the DIPEx Germany project (Database of Individual Patients’ Experiences).
Results
Psychosocial burden of a skin cancer diagnosis and coping vary depending on age, gender, duration of illness, diagnosis and types of treatment. Social and emotional challenges consist of confrontation with fears, insecurity, and in particular altered body appearance and self-image e. g. due to scars, leading to stigmatization and challenges in sexual life. The coping strategies include social support through family and friends, self-help, hobbies like sports and meditation and personal approaches like faith, self-initiative and displacement.
Conclusions
Understanding how people with skin cancer experience and manage psychosocial burdens can inform more holistic, person-centered care. Especially the changed appearance following skin cancer treatment challenges affected individuals’ social life and interaction. The findings stress the need for tailored interventions that address mental health and social integration during and after treatment.
Key messages
• Given the increasing burden of skin cancer worldwide, this study addresses psychosocial coping of affected individuals and supports the public health environment for chronic disease management.
• Visible changes following skin cancer treatment can lead to significant psychosocial burdens like stigma and altered self-image. This highlights the need for person-centered support strategies.