People who have had skin cancer are at higher risk of getting it again. In fact, between 2 and 10% of melanoma survivors (a disease in which malignant cells form in the melanocytes, cells that give color to the skin) will develop a second primary melanoma. It arises spontaneously or on a mole that changes.
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Furthermore, between 30 and 50% of those who have faced one non-melanoma skin cancer are likely to develop a second in a period of five years.
These statistics underline the importance of a constant surveillance and proper monitoring for those who have already overcome skin cancer.
For all these reasons, the Piel Sana Foundation of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), through its annual campaign Euromelanomahas focused in this year’s edition on patients suffering from skin cancer, on providing them with the maximum and best possible support, both physical and psychological.
This plan of prevention of cancer leather is a reference at the European level, in collaboration with leading dermatology and oncology professional organizations. It emerged in 1999 in Belgium, Spain joined a year later and currently 50 countries participate.
This year’s campaign features a dual approach with two slogans: “Live and learn” and “learn to live“. The main objective is teach the patient with said disease how to liveto achieve a full and healthy life, while receiving the necessary support to face the challenges that may arise along the way.
“Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that we can detect ourselves, so It is important that people know their own furand check frequently for signs of change,” highlights the Dr. Ángeles Flóreznational coordinator of the Euromelanoma Campaign.
Learning to self-examine is essential to be able to anticipate the disease and have an early diagnosis, which is key for the patient.
Ángeles Flórez. National coordinator of the Euromelanoma Campaign
Skin cancer is a disease in which you need to receive a “great emotional support“, as Dr. Flórez expresses. This support can manifest itself in various ways:
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Help with post-intervention cures.
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Monitor the patient’s appointment schedule.
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Provide support at home.
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Assist with periodic skin examinations.
ABCDE rule for self-examination in skin cancer
- TOsymmetry. Initial melanomas are asymmetric.
- border. Most early melanomas have irregular, scalloped edges.
- csmell. They have a non-homogeneous color (two or more tones: brown, reddish, blackish…).
- diameter. A diameter greater than 6mm, since moles have a diameter less than 6mm.
- ANDevolution. The existence of melanoma is suspected if one or more of these warning signs or any other abnormal skin appears (bleeding, inflammation, redness, hardening, itching…).
It must be said that the support of the patient’s environment not only contributes to the success of the treatment, but can also have a significant impact on quality of life and emotional well-being of the patient during your recovery process.
It is vitally important to show an attitude towards the disease. This is stated by the Dr. Elena Godoyresponsible for campaign coordinators: “We must encourage our patients to live their lives to the fullto continue doing the activities they like the most and, at the same time, provide them with all the information possible about how to expose themselves to the sun properly.
From a mole to a melanoma
As explained by the AEDV experts, a mole is a pigmented spot that appears on the skin. “In adults we find around 20-25 pigmented spots on the body. Only a small part of them were already present at birth, the majority develop throughout life. Their number depends on hereditary factors, exposures to the sun and certain factors that favor them, such as pregnancy. Almost always, these spots, also called nevus, are benign, but any change in their appearance can be the first sign of a malignant melanoma.
Current epidemiological trends and prevention measures
Melanoma incidence increases slowly and progressive, although a decrease in cases is seen in the age groups of people born since the late 90s. And this is due to the beginning of awareness campaigns like this one, which demonstrates the importance of education about cancer of skin.
The generations that have grown up with the thought, already established, that burning is not normal, are driving down the statistics of the disease. This shows the importance of raising awareness among the population.
Eduardo Nagore. Coordinator of the campaign with Europe
On the other hand, the doctor and coordinator of the campaign with Europe, Eduardo Nagorehighlights the progress in treatments against this type of cancer:
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“Immunotherapy has shown promise in the treatment of cancer and new drugs and combinations are constantly being investigated to improve outcomes.”
Early diagnosis, key
The Piel Sana Foundation of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology advises that, in the event of any change in the skin, whether it is a new or old lesion and with a different appearance from other spots, it should be consult with him dermatologist.
Currently, there is no average diagnosis time in Spain. As experts assure, this will depend, to a large extent, on the patient’s condition. Although, it will depend especially on two factors:
- Accessibility. It is one of the complaints of professionals and patients. And, depending on each autonomous community, they serve you more quickly or there is a longer waiting time.
- Self-exploration. The importance of each person’s exploration of their own skin and check-ups by dermatologists as strategic measures to detect melanoma at an early stage and provide effective treatment to improve the survival of this skin cancer.
One minute a month, which is how long it takes you to explore yourself, can save your life
Eduardo Nagore. Coordinator of the campaign with Europe
Within this initiative, the foundation has committed to providing help to anyone who requests it. Thus, from June 3 to 30, the Foundation’s dermatologists will offer altruistic care to citizens to verify the status of their moles. In this edition, these explorations can be carried out both in person and online.
To participate in these evaluations, you will need to complete a questionnaire to determine the presence of skin cancer risk factors. If so, interested parties may request their online appointment through the Euromelanoma website.