Filenews 14 July 2022
A total of 74 cases of skin melanoma, of which 45 concern men and 29 women, were recorded in Cyprus according to the latest data published by the cancer file of the Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health in 2019, PASYKAF reports, noting that "in Europe more than 100,000 cases of skin cancer and more than 140,000 cases of melanoma per year are recorded".
According to an announcement by PASYKAF, "skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide especially in light-coloured populations and its occurrence has increased rapidly in recent decades, mainly due to lifestyle change".
There are several types of skin cancer such as melanoma that comes from melanocytes and is a rare form, but more aggressive and can be treated if diagnosed early.
A change in the size, shape and colour of an already existing mole or the presence of a new nevus with atypical features should be further investigated by a physician. Other types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell, which are treated relatively easily.
Given the situation, PASYKAF, in the framework of its program "Skin Cancer", informs and reminds about the prevention and protection of the skin, especially during the summer months, noting that the protection of the skin from the sun should be done all year round.
As it states in its announcement "the protection of the skin must start from childhood and it is important that all prevention measures are taken in order to reduce the risk of cancer in adulthood".
Also "for the protection of the skin, experts recommend avoiding direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., the use of appropriate clothing to protect the skin and the use of sunscreen during the long stay outdoors."
More protection and attention is required from people with open phototypes that burn more easily in the sun and from infants and children as their skin is more sensitive.
According to the announcement, "the main symptoms of skin cancer are a wound-like skin lesion that does not heal for more than 4 weeks, or an unusual skin lesion accompanied by pain, itching, bleeding and crust and lasts for several weeks."
Also, as PASYKAF states, "the ultraviolet radiation of the sun (UVA and UVB) has been proven to cause skin cancer and is considered as one of the biggest aggravating factors while other factors are considered the light colour of the skin, the history of sunburn, which destroy skin cells, skin olives that change size and shape, family history, exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation (solarium), chemicals, age and chronic immunocompromised individuals".
It is noted that the information campaign on skin cancer and melanoma is supported by the Cyprus Society of Dermatology and Venereology and in its context PASYKAF is making presentations in summer schools in collaboration with the Strovolos Multipurpose Center.
KYPE
