AEDV requests that priority be given to monitoring and psychological support for skin cancer patients to avoid relapses

The Piel Sana Foundation of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has introduced a new campaign, “Live and learn, learn to live,” which prioritizes surveillance and psychological support for patients with skin cancer to avoid the recurrence of a second melanoma. So, reminded that “the risk of relapse of the disease can be reduced by increasing vigilance”. In addition, they emphasized the importance of “adequate psychological support and support from your family environment” after diagnosis and that “protecting the skin from the sun and monitoring it once a month is the basis for reducing the risk of occurrence and promoting a good prognosis.”

People who have had skin cancer are at greater risk of getting it again, according to the AEDV. Between 2 and 10 percent of melanoma survivors develop a second primary melanoma.. Additionally, 30 to 50 percent of those who have had one nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are likely to develop a second NSCLC within five years. These statistics show the importance of ongoing surveillance and adequate dermatological follow-up for those who have overcome skin cancer to detect any early signs of recurrence and ensure timely treatment.

This initiative “reflects Euromelanoma’s commitment to the health and comprehensive well-being of those affected by this disease”, as they explained at a meeting with the media this Wednesday. “Our previous public awareness campaigns have promoted sun safety, regular skin checks and the need for early treatment of various types of skin cancer. This year we are paying special attention to the patient,” said Agustin Buendia, director of the Piel Sana Foundation AEDV.

This year’s campaign featured a “dual approach with two powerful slogans: ‘Live and Learn’ and ‘Learn to Live’.” Together they form a comprehensive campaign aimed at both prevention and physical care, as well as the emotional well-being of skin cancer patients. By promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being, the campaign aims to empower patients to live full and healthy lives.while receiving the necessary support to solve problems that may arise along the way,” they emphasized.

“Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that we can detect ourselves, so it is important that people know their skin well and check it for signs of changes. If you have already had skin cancer, the need for surveillance is even more necessary. In addition to protecting your skin from further sun damage, it is important to have regular skin checks and follow-up appointments,” said Euromelanoma Campaign National Coordinator Angeles Flores.

The importance of environmental support

Dr. Flores emphasized the importance of a patient’s environment in skin cancer treatment and recovery because “Emotional support from family, friends and caregivers is essential to accompany the patient every step of the way to health and well-being.”. Likewise, the Foundation insists that “this support can include everything from help with treatment and visiting a doctor to accompaniment during treatment.” In addition, the patient’s environment may influence the adoption of photoprotective measures, which “promotes treatment adherence and creates a supportive environment.” This support “impacts not only the success of treatment, but also the patient’s quality of life.”

On the other hand, Elena Godoy, responsible for the coordinators of the Euromelanoma campaign, encouraged patients to take an active approach to health and well-being, not limiting their leisure time and leisure activities, but spending them in healthy conditions. the path to your skin and receiving psychological support to address the emotional challenges of the recovery process. “We must encourage our patients to live their lives to the fullest.”doing what they enjoy most, but giving them the power to take control of their health by providing them with information about proper sun exposure,” he said.

Current epidemiological trends and prevention measures

The incidence of melanoma continues to slowly and progressively increase, although there are signs reduction in morbidity in age groups of people born after the end of the 90s, when campaigns began to raise awareness about the dangers of excess solar radiation. The coordinator of the campaign in Europe, Eduardo Nagore Engidanos, highlighted the significant progress that immunotherapy treatment represents in the medical field.

So he explained that “Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating cancer, and new drugs and drug combinations are constantly being explored to further improve outcomes.”. Moreover, its use in neoadjuvant therapy, that is, before tumor removal, significantly increases its effectiveness.” On the other hand, he insisted on the need to raise awareness of factors that can increase the risk of skin cancer, such as the appearance of new moles or the atypical growth of moles that we already have and which require treatment. . examination by our doctor.

Finally, the Foundation advised that you should consult a dermatologist if you experience any changes to your skin, such as new moles or changes in appearance. Thus, he recalled other initiatives such as a research campaign aimed at the population, “Research Month”, during next June, when dermatologists at the AEDV Healthy Skin Foundation will provide altruistic care to patients to check the condition of their moles.; or two apps related to skin and sun exposure: UV Derma, which provides real-time UV index information, and e-Derma, which recommends safe sun exposure time and allows you to record your skin condition to detect moles.

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