Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa launches

Commenting on the objectives of the foundation, founder and specialist dermatological and laser surgeon, Dr Marc Roscher, said that skin cancer is a highly preventable lifestyle disease, which is in dire need of increased public awareness and education, particularly in terms of sun protection and skin cancer prevention.

"The SCFSA will focus on raising public awareness through the sharing of information that assists in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer. Skin cancer is a specialised medical field, which is in need of a focused, expert approach. The provision of informative, quality material to healthcare professionals and patients alike will be integral to the success of the campaign," said Roscher.

He added that an annual, national screening day will be facilitated by dermatologists countrywide on a pro-bono basis with the intention of alerting patients to what these cancers look like, how to inspect themselves and their families for skin cancer and how to prevent it.

According to Dr Derek Odendaal, President of the South African Society for Dermatological Surgery, sharing the latest discoveries in terms of skin cancer management with general practitioners and primary healthcare givers will form part of the activities of SCFSA. "It is the aim of the foundation to set the standard for educating the public and the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment."

"Another important goal of the SCFSA will be to collate and disperse data about skin cancer statistics to healthcare professionals and the media. It has been of great concern to us that reliable statistics are not available when it comes to skin cancer and this is something that we wish to change," he says.

Melanoma cautionary

"Melanoma causes around three quarters of all deaths related to skin cancer. It can usually be successfully treated if it is diagnosed and treated very early when the tumour is still small and thin, before it has had a chance to metastasise or spread to the lymph nodes and other organs of the body," cautions Dr Roscher

Given the fact that melanoma is best treated in its early stages, it is important for people to regularly check themselves for any moles, sores, lumps or growths on the skin. They should report any changes in such skin blemishes or bleeding from a skin growth to their doctor. Watch out for changes in colour, size or texture. Those who have a fair skin or have a family history of melanoma should have their skin checked by their dermatologist once a year. With mole mapping doctors are able to detect changes under the skin before they become obvious on the surface.