Germans continue to experience significant anxiety about serious illnesses, with cancer and dementia leading the list, according to the latest representative survey by Forsa on behalf of DAK-Gesundheit. The study, conducted nationwide from November 4 to 6, 2025, and included 1,000 women and men aged 14 and older, shows that 69% of respondents fear developing cancer most, while 54% are most concerned about Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Other prevalent fears include severe accidents (46%), strokes (45%), and heart attacks (39%). While the overall fear of illness slightly decreased compared to the previous year, it remains notably high, highlighting the persistent concern about life-threatening health issues among the population.
Despite these fears, a large proportion of Germans actively engage in preventive health behaviors. According to the survey, 84% exercise regularly, 78% follow a healthy diet, and around three-quarters avoid smoking or limit alcohol consumption. Vaccination adherence, however, has declined slightly, with 76% reporting regular immunizations, down by 8% from the previous year.
Participation in cancer screenings differs significantly between genders: 77% of women attend these preventive examinations, compared to only 49% of men. Women also demonstrate higher attention to nutrition, with 86% reporting a healthy diet versus 71% of men, reflecting broader gender differences in health-conscious behavior.
While mental health issues rank seventh in overall fear among Germans, young people show notably higher levels of anxiety about psychological illnesses such as depression and burnout. The survey reveals that while 31% of the general population express concern about mental health, 47% of respondents aged 14 to 29 report such fears.
This indicates a growing awareness and worry among younger adults about the impact of mental health conditions, which contrasts with the lower average concern observed in older age groups.
Despite widespread concerns about serious illnesses, the majority of Germans rate their personal health positively. In total, 38% consider their health very good, and 49% describe it as rather good. Young adults are the most optimistic, with nearly three-quarters (73% ) rating their health as very good. These findings suggest that while fears of illness are significant, many Germans maintain a positive perception of their current well-being.
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