Melanoma, the game of prevention is also won thanks to the 'eye of the team
70% of melanomas arise as a new lesion on healthy skin: hence the importance relaunched by the 'We Action' project in Naples of a mutual skin check especially after the summer season
by Paolo Ascierto *
2' min read
2' min read
The vast majority of melanomas do not arise from pre-existing moles, but from new lesions and spots. This is a fact that should give us pause for thought, especially at this time of year when summer brings us to uncover our skin. Now is the right time to pay attention to skin changes, observing one's own skin but also that of friends and family. Four, six, eight or ten eyes are better than two: mutual control is certainly no substitute for the dermatologist's expert advice, but it can be a decisive first step.
All summoned
.This is the spirit that animates the seventh edition of 'We in Action', the multidisciplinary event I created and which opens today in Naples, dedicated to prevention and new frontiers in the fight against skin cancer. The event features two exceptional faces as testimonials: Giuseppe Bergomi, Italian football legend and world champion in 1982, and Gennarino Esposito, a Neapolitan chef capable of combining tradition and innovation in the kitchen.
I am convinced that prevention works best as a true team effort. Periodic skin inspections, especially at this time of year, with the help of a friend or family member, make it possible to check even areas that are difficult to reach on one's own, such as the back and scalp. In the latter case, barbers and hairdressers can also help.
New moles to watch out for
.In fact, it is new moles that are the most dangerous compared to pre-existing ones. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that 70% of melanomas arise as a new lesion on healthy skin and not from existing moles. Researchers looked at the results of 38 clinical trials and over 20,000 cases of melanoma and found that less than a third of melanomas arise from pre-existing moles, while the vast majority occur as a new pigmented lesion on healthy skin. Research has also shown that melanomas originating from pre-existing moles are on average thinner and therefore less aggressive.
More chances to heal
.Detecting melanoma early means a better chance of cure. Despite numerous advances in the treatment of melanoma, even in advanced cases thanks to immunotherapy, early diagnosis doubles the chances of survival.
