At the free dermoscopy examinations organized during the past weekend on Ada Ciganlija, 47 dermatovenerologists, experts in the field of dermoscopy from the leading health care institutions in Serbia, examined the youth of 1923 citizens for free.
Examinations are organized as part of the socially responsible campaign for early detection of skin cancer “Pregled za sve”, which has been organized since 2015 by Eucerin Serbia and the B92 Fund, with the support of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia and the Association of Dermatovenerologists of Serbia.
During the two-day examination, suspicion of melanoma was observed in 25 patients, and suspicious changes were observed in 156, for which they were referred for further consultation and follow-up. For 58 patients, surgical intervention was scheduled or they were referred for surgical removal of a suspicious change.
“Skin cancer is the only cancer that can be seen with the naked eye and can be removed with a simple surgical intervention. Given that melanoma, as the most dangerous skin cancer, spreads very quickly and can have fatal consequences, early detection actually saves the patient’s life. “Dermoscopic examinations are one of the most effective ways of removing skin tumors at an early stage, and that is why it is very important that patients immediately, as soon as they notice any changes, contact a dermatologist and regularly perform self-examinations and skin examinations by a dermatovenerologist,” explains Prof. Dr. Željko Mijušković, specialist in dermatovenerology of the Academy of Medical Sciences, also a member of the Expert Council of the “Pregled za sve” campaign.
As part of this campaign, since 2015, over six thousand patients have been examined and, not counting the suspicions observed during this weekend, 64 melanomas have been detected, which actually saved the lives of people who came for examination because it was available to them.
“In Serbia, according to data from the Batut Institute, around 500 people get skin melanoma every year. Experiences of doctors show that only one fifth of melanomas in our country are detected at an early stage. That is why our goal from the beginning of the campaign “Examination for everyone” is to make dermoscopic examinations available to all people in Serbia through various activities. In addition to free examinations, that is why we have provided 167 manual and digital dermoscopes for 70 state health institutions in 49 cities in Serbia, including the largest health centers and health institutions in smaller communities that have dermatology offices, which allow a more precise insight into changes in the skin. This is how we achieved national coverage and availability of dermoscopic examinations to all citizens of Serbia. Along with donations of dermoscopes, free educations in the field of dermoscopy were organized for dermatologists throughout Serbia, which were attended by more than 90% of dermatovenerologists from state institutions and private practices throughout Serbia,” explained Biljana Vukićević, director of Eucerin Serbia.
The World Health Organization confirms that unprotected sun exposure is one of the leading causes of unwanted skin changes. That is why, during all activities within the “Inspection for All” campaign, citizens are also informed about responsible behavior in the sun, which includes staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., regularly and properly applying sunscreen and wearing hats and clothing. made of natural material with long legs and sleeves.
Photo author: Slobodan Junior Anđelković
Source: www.advertiser-serbia.com
