AECC Proposes Conference to Raise Skin Cancer Awareness

Adolfo Suarez Public Library held a conference at 19:00 proposed Spanish Association Against Cancer in collaboration with the College of Pharmacists of Ceuta to raise awareness of the need for prevention and education skin cancer. Jesús Ferreiro, President of the Spanish Association against Cancer, was in charge of the presentation of the event and gave way to Isabel Hernández, Prevention Specialist of the Spanish Association against Cancer, Sara López, pharmacist with a Master’s degree in Dermopharmaceuticals and Master of Formulas, and Beatriz Ferrón, pharmacist and member of the Official College of Pharmacists of Ceuta, in charge of the conference. Isabel Hernandez Muriel, Prevention Technician Spanish Association Against Cancer, showed a video of people with cancer talking about their experiences and gave some tips for avoiding sun exposure, such as trying to find shade, using a good umbrella or wearing sunscreen, which is “very important.” He also wanted to remember that although dark skin “burns less” than white skin, the sun’s rays penetrate both equally, so they are not immune to skin cancer. “That’s why it’s important to do a self-examination and consider seeing a dermatologist,” he warned. Skin cancer is the most preventable, Hernandez said, and if found and treated early, “the prognosis is good.” For her part, Sara Lopez, a pharmacist with a master’s degree in dermopharmacy, provided accurate information about skin cancer. “Skin cancer is malignant cells that spread in the epidermis. The damage affects our genetics. Sometimes it is due to heredity, and sometimes it is a DNA mutation. When it progresses, it is because it has penetrated the epidermis and the case is more serious,” Lopez said. In 2023, 20,392 new cases of skin cancer were detected in Spain – an exorbitant and alarming figure. “Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. It usually appears on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck. It appears as a small, shiny lesion that may bleed,” he said. As for the most aggressive type, he indicated that it is melanoma, which can be fatal. “It develops from melanocytes and can appear in areas not exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nails, in the eyes, in the mouth or on the genitals, and in the perianal area. It occurs as a new mole or a change to an existing mole,” he added. The most common risk factors are exposure to ultraviolet radiation, skin type, family history, weakened immune system, or human papillomavirus. Pharmacist and member Official College of Pharmacists of CeutaBeatrice Ferron debunks the myth: “If I wear protection 50, I won’t get a tan.” For sunscreens, he warned that we should look for the word UVA inside a “little circle to make sure the cream is approved” and it will get the job done. “The incidence of skin cancer associated with sun exposure is increasing by 40% annually. This danger increases in summer, which is why this information campaign is necessary,” Ferron urged. He also reminded that photoprotection is not just a summer job, but a 365-day job. “Skin cancer prevention is nothing more than photoprotection when used correctly,” he insisted. A member of the Official College of Pharmacists said “adult awareness is more important.” realize that young peoplethat’s why these campaigns are important.” The Cancer Association announced the figures Cancer data in Ceutadata that is still unavailable. This conference generated great interest among the audience present, who have already taken note of how to take care of their skin and prevent cancer in the summer.