The German Cancer Aid was established in 1974 by physician Mildred Scheel to shift the national approach toward oncology through public mobilization rather than government funding. By strictly refusing donations from the pharmaceutical industry and tax revenue, she sought to maintain complete independence from political and economic interests, framing the fight against cancer as a necessary project for the collective benefit of all citizens.
Medical Background and Early Career
Born Mildred Wirtz on 31 December 1931 in Cologne, she was the third child of a radiologist. Her professional interest in medicine began during childhood while accompanying her father in his practice. In 1944, her family relocated to Amberg to escape the bombing of Cologne. She began her university studies in 1950, attending institutions in Munich, Innsbruck, and Regensburg. Her early professional life included working as a doctor in Munich before holding positions at various medical practices and hospitals.
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In 1967, she met FDP politician Walter Scheel while working at a sanatorium where he was recovering from surgery. The couple married on 18 July 1969 in Munich-Schwabing. Following her husband's appointment as Federal President in 1974, she adopted the role traditionally held by German First Ladies, focusing her energy on public health. She broke societal taboos surrounding cancer, leading open discussions on breast, uterine, and prostate cancer. Her efforts extended to state visits, where she actively solicited donations for her health-project.
Institutional Influence and Scientific Conferences
Scheel prioritized international cooperation among medical professionals. She initiated scientific conferences that brought together cancer experts from Asia, Europe, and the United States. Her efforts were supported by the artistic community; in 1980, Andy Warhol created a limited edition screen-print to help raise funds for her organization. Her dedication to the field continued until her death on 13 May 1985 in Cologne, which resulted from cancer complications she had kept private from the public.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout her life and posthumously, she received over 20 state medals of honor, including the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1979. She was awarded the German Media Prize Bambi in 1976 and held an honorary doctorate from the University of Maryland. Numerous streets and institutions now bear her name, including the Mildred-Scheel-Bogen in Munich, designated in 2008. She is buried at the Alter Friedhof in Bonn.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 December 1931, Cologne
- Died: 13 May 1985, Cologne
- Education: Munich, Innsbruck, Regensburg
- Founder: German Cancer Aid (1974)
- Spouse: Walter Scheel
- Awards: Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit (1979)
- Burial site: Alter Friedhof Bonn
Questions readers ask
What was the core principle of the German Cancer Aid?
The organization operated without government tax money or donations from the pharmaceutical industry to ensure independence from political and economic interests.
How did Mildred Scheel raise awareness for cancer?
She broke societal taboos by facilitating public discussions regarding specific cancer types, including uterine, breast, and prostate cancer.
Achievements
- Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1979
