South Africa’s dermatologists give freely of their time for National Skin Cancer Screening Day – promoted by the SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION OF SOUTH AFRICA ( SCFSA).
MEDIA STATEMENT
South Africa’s dermatologists give freely of their time for National Skin Cancer Screening Day – promoted by the SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION OF SOUTH AFRICA ( SCFSA).
All is set in place for the fourth national skin cancer screening day on 1 September 2017.
South Africa’s (SA’s) dermatologists are once again coming together to participate in the country’s national skin cancer screening day.
Dermatologists countrywide are urging the public to have themselves screened, and to become wiser with regards to the best sun protection practices.
“There are new, exciting and potentially lifesaving therapies, that have recently become available in the therapeutic realm. It is imperative that patients with lighter skin types, or a history of skin cancer in the family, see a dermatologist annually. Early detection and treatment remain the standard of care for skin cancer and may in the end save your life,” says Dr. Marc Roscher, an Umhlanga based dermatologist.
Dermatologists are making themselves available to screen patients countrywide – as part of this PRO BONO project.
These screenings are not mole-mapping procedures, but will specifically guide patients, and inform them what to look out for.
Patients will also be taught how to inspect themselves and their families for early signs of skin cancer and the best prevention methods will also be shared.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Despite this, 1 in 6 adults develop skin cancer in the US. Early screening and detection is critical in ensuring that skin cancer is identified and treated before any spread has occurred. Visiting your dermatologist is a quick and simple way of checking for skin cancer,” says Karen Koch – Johannesburg based dermatologist.
The SCFSA will provide participating dermatologists with skin cancer screening protocols and the necessary paperwork in order to standardise the screenings. All information obtained during the screenings will be collated and passed onto the SCFSA for analysis. Information will be shared as part of a post-screening campaign.
Names and contact details of participating dermatologists are available on the SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION website – skincancerfoundation.co.za. It is important to note that only participating dermatologists are providing pro bono services for this initiative. The National Screening Day will also be supported by an awareness campaign leading up to the event. The campaign will reflect on the activities of the day.
CANSA – The Cancer Association of South Africa -will also be taking part in the screenings annually.
“As a proud partner of SCF of SA, CANSA is looking forward to taking part in the skin cancer awareness and screening day on 1 Sept 2017. CANSA will do screenings at various CANSA Care Centres countrywide and will refer patients to the dermatologists taking part in this free for screening initiative. Please visit www.cansa.org.za for more information,” says Gerda Strauss of CANSA.
Commenting on the objectives of National Skin Cancer Screening Day, founder and specialist dermatological and laser surgeon, Dr Marc Roscher, said that with skin cancer growing at such a disturbing rate, the SCFSA is encouraging members of the dermatologic fraternity and public, to participate in this important, potentially life-saving initiative.
Notes to editors
Vision and mission of the South African Skin Cancer Foundation: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and this is no different in South Africa. To address the growing incidence of skin cancer in this country, the South African Skin Cancer Foundation (SCFSA) was created with the aim of implementing a National Skin Cancer Screening Day, which will be held in September every year. Facilitating these events and projects requires special skill and insight, which the SCF will provide.
It is anticipated that this campaign will be run on a national basis. With the aid of extensive media coverage it is our aim to educate and inform the public of South Africa about the dangers of skin cancer and how to avoid it. It is also the role of the foundation to assimilate and distribute information about skin cancer and its symptoms to the lay public, press and medical professionals. A lack of data about skin cancer in South Africa is a pressing concern, and would also form a key component of the SCFSA and its activities.
The foundation has resolved to operate in a manner similar to SCFs in other parts of the world, and to interact and cooperate with any groups, individuals and societies that share our vision and can benefit from or contribute to the work that is being done.
Issued by: Keryn Delaney on behalf of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA)
Contact : Theresa De Beer – COO, SCFSA
Email: saskincancerfoundation@gmail.com
