According to statistics, 1 in 8 people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer die in Malta. For the eighteenth year running, Malta is joining the rest of Europe in this year’s Euro-Melanoma Day Campaign. Melanoma skin cancer which is linked to sun exposure is by far the most common skin-related cause of death worldwide. In fact in Malta the number of cases of such skin cancer has double in last two decades.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign ‘Malta has a skin cancer problem- Skin cancer can be cured if caught early!’ Chairman of the Dermatology and Venereology department Dr Lawrence Scerri and President of the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology Dr Michael Boffa, spoke of the increasing trend of cases over the years in both genders.
Invasive Malignant Melanoma cases over the last 24 years have increased by a mean of 132 per cent in Males and 108 per cent in females however females numbers being slightly larger. Invasive Melanoma refers to more serious cases, where the cancer has penetrated deeper into the skin and may have spread to other areas of the body. On the other hand Melanoma – in-situ, referring to a very early stage of skin cancer which has not spread yet, has increased by a mean of 134 per cent in males and 115 per cent in females over the last 18 years.
Furthermore, currently there are a total of around 70-75 new cases of melanoma each year with around 8-9 people dying for melanoma each year in Malta. Scerri also noted that overall there was a 67 per cent increase in morality over the past two decades with survival rates being worse in older patients.
The launch campaign made much focus on the importance of catching it early, explaining how surgical removal of melanoma leads to an excellent survival rate in the region of 90-95 per cent at five years. Spotting Melanoma is important and therefore the campaign stipulated the common features to look out for including: brown/black patch or lump with irregular features and especially any changes in size, more than one colour in one patch and a patch which is larger than 6mm.
The campaign focused on how people have a perception that the sun is symbol of attractiveness and good health when in fact it is merely a sign of UV damage and represents the skin’s attempt to minimise further damage. Therefore prevention is key in ensuring protection of our skin, the launch stressed. In Malta were most days in the sun experience a UV index of 7-9 the methods of sun protection must be as follows: wearing a hat and sun screen along with preferably staying indoors between 11am – 4pm. The campaign advised for everyone to apply sunscreen factor 50+ every 2-3 hours when going out in the sun, to cover up with appropriate clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr Paula Vassallo, spoke of how only 50 per cent of Maltese use sunscreen and only 10 per cent of workers in work in the sun in Malta use sunscreen.
She added that the focus of the campaign was early prevention in order to reduce the risk of developing melanoma through UV protection/avoidance, particularly starting from childhood. The second aim was early detection through increased awareness. The programme will include printed education material to hospitals, health centres, clinics and pharmacies. A social media campaign (HPDP Malta) is also going to take place in order to share messages of sun safety.
‘Melanoma Monday’ will fall on Monday 14th May. For further information check HPDP Malta on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.