Melanoma: easier to prevent

On May 13, the Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Radiology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russia hosted an open Day dedicated to the Day of the Fight against Melanoma.

On this day, everyone who wished to register for free on the institution’s website, was able to undergo consultations and primary diagnostics with oncodermatologists of the Center, take part in the School of Patients, and receive answers to the most common questions about the diagnosis and treatment of this formidable disease live on the NMRRC account. In addition, on the same day, a master class for the media on skin mapping and a School of residents “The latest technologies for early diagnosis of melanoma” were held.

Such a diverse and rich program, both for patients, students, and doctors, is aimed precisely at fostering cancer alertness.

— This gives me and, if necessary, the doctors the opportunity to provide the necessary help in time, — Olga Seregina, a student of the pedagogical university, told us. – And as I understand it, the earlier the cancer is treated, the less chance it has of further development.

The General Director of the Center, the chief oncologist of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Kaprin, who took part in the Open Day, stressed that melanoma, despite seemingly not the highest incidence rates, is a very insidious and aggressive disease.

— This is a cancer that belongs to visible localizations, most often it is on the surfaces of the skin. And until it penetrated into the deeper layers of the epithelium, the mole began to change, itching, redness appeared – you need to urgently run to the doctor. Then we will be able to deal with it quickly and efficiently. Today, all types of combined treatment are used for the treatment of melanoma: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Great progress in treatment, especially in the late stages, is observed in connection with the use of immune therapy.

Experts also noted a direct link between the appearance of malignant neoplasms on the skin and excessive enthusiasm for tanning, both natural and artificial. Large doses of ultraviolet rays lead to skin damage, and this should be remembered when going to the beach or to the solarium.

According to the results of the initial admission of the population, several people received a referral for the removal of problematic moles and a more detailed study. The rest are in a good mood and confidence in the future.

Press Service of the NMRRC of the Ministry of Health of Russia