The dermatologist at the Carrión hospital, Ciro Rodríguez Aliaga, stated that melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and can cause death because it metastasizes and spreads to other parts of the body such as the brain and even the liver. The figures from the Global Cancer Observatory for 2022, published this year, report an increase in deaths from melanoma in Peru, from 364 people who died in 2020 to 443 in 2022, which represents an increase of 22%. In addition, Globocan 2022 data indicate an increase in new cases identified, from 1,282 people in 2020 to 1,360 in 2022..
From January to June, 2,040 people with malignant melanoma of the skin have been detected in the country, with Lima being the region with the most cases (1,462) followed by Cusco, which reports 86 patients. Junín is the fifth region in the country with the highest number of cases of malignant melanoma, with a total of 51 people affected. This year, only in the Carrión hospital they have a record of 10 patients, said dermatologist Ciro Rodríguez.
The specialist mentioned that patients require a comprehensive check-up, since this cancer can appear on the face, fingers, feet and heel. Melanoma is a cancer that arises from exposure to ultraviolet rays, but also occurs due to exposure to toxic oils, chemical substances and contact with minerals.
“If a new mole or a dark spot appears on the skin, between the fingers and even on the nails, you should go immediately to the Carrión hospital to proceed with the ruling out, because it could be melanoma, if you operate in time you can get rid of the cancer,” warned Ciro Rodriguez.
People are advised to visit their doctor once a year for preventive check-ups that facilitate early detection of melanoma, with a cure rate of between 90% and 95%.
The steps of self-care
Self-examination of the skin is key to detecting melanoma early. The international mnemonic rule ABCDE, which refers to asymmetry, borders, color, diameter and evolution, helps to identify whether a mole could be melanoma:
Asymmetry: if the mole does not have the same shape and size between one half and the other.
Borders: If they are irregular or it is difficult to determine where the mole begins.
Color: if it has more than one color or is of uneven color.
Diameter: if the mole measures more than 6 millimeters.
Evolution: if it changes color, shape or size over time. Asymmetry: if it does not have the same shape and size between one half of the mole and the other.
Borders: if they are irregular or it is difficult to determine where the mole begins. Color: if it has more than one color or is of uneven color. Diameter: if the mole measures more than 6 millimeters. Evolution: if it changes color, shape or size as time goes by.
Radiation
The National Meteorological and Hydrological Service reported that the ultraviolet radiation index in Junín will be extremely high between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. today.
It is therefore recommended that people use sunscreen, hats and clothing that covers the body to avoid exposure, which can cause melanoma skin cancer.
