Galery

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Due to the solar eruptions 500 people in Greece suffered of skin cancer last year. According to data the increase is in the range between 3% and 7% annually and the disease threatens to become epidemic. Annually worldwide about 130,000 people become ill and more than 37,000 people die from the terrible disease that is considered one of the fastest spreading cancers. According to doctors the main cause for the disease is exposure to the sun and the increase of ozone hole that allows penetration of harmful emissions. 

On the occasion of the Greek week against skin cancer (May 3 to 7) dermatology professors Andreas Katsambas and Dimitris Rigopoulos warn about the dangers of sun exposure. The dermatologists announced that during the period between May 3 and 7 they will examine very patient for free in hospitals and in their private offices. Calling 800 11 11 222 all who wish to be examined may make an appointment and be tested for free. 

All interested can enter the site www.myskincheck.gr and check the dermatologists who participate in the campaign and make an appointment with one of them. The specific website provides the opportunity to determine the degree of danger to your own skin. There, you can also find information on which moles are dangerous, how to protect yourself from the sun and the truths and myths about melanoma. 

Scientists say that people are mostly at risk during the summer months, when they are exposed to the sun and do not take precautions like putting sunscreen. An additional factor for the increase in cases of diseased is climate change, which requires the use of products for skin protection. 

"4% of cancer diseases are melanomas - this is a very high percentage. But more worrying is that each year the number of people who have melanoma has increased," said Professor Andreas Katsambas. Even greater concern to doctors are melanomas, which until recently have been considered rare, like melanomas on fingers, face and even in the mouth. 

"90% of melanomas that are detected at an early stage can be cured," is the motto of this year's week against skin cancer. Last year during the free one week campaign 4020 patients were examined of whom 376 had a "suspicious" skin lesions.