Drive to beat skin cancer

A PORT Elizabeth dermatologist is offering free skin cancer screening on Monday, as a part of a national drive to mark South Africa's first national Skin Cancer Screening Day, at the start of spring on September 1.

Mill Park dermatologist Dr Derek Odendaal, president of the South African Society for Dermatological Surgery and a founder member of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA), is among 20 specialists across South Africa who are taking part in the awareness drive.

SCFSA, which was launched in September last year, is the driver of the campaign. "[The initiative] is SCFSA's way of mobilising every dermatologist in the country so that we can reach as many South Africans as possible – particularly those who would ordinarily not be afforded the opportunity of being screened for skin cancer," Odendaal said.

"It is our aim to raise public awareness through sharing information that will assist in the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer."

He said South Africa had the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Although the Monday screenings were not mole-mapping procedures they would specifically guide and inform patients what to look out for.

"We welcome anybody who suspects they have skin cancer, a family history of skin cancer or has things like multiple moles and not unrelated illnesses.

"We will also teach them how to inspect themselves and their families for early signs of skin cancer, while sharing the best prevention methods with them. If there are any irregularities detected they will be referred to a doctor of their choice or a public hospital." Odendaal said dermatologists around South Africa were pooling resources to work together "to help raise awareness of the dangers associated with excessive exposure to the sun".

"We also wish to encourage early detection due to the scourge of skin cancer in our country."

He said the response from dermatologists to this call to action had been positive.

With only 167 practising dermatologists in South Africa, 20 had stepped-up to take part in the free Monday sessions.

"We appealed to all dermatologists to make themselves and their resources available to screen 20 patients as part of a special half-day session on a pro bono basis."

Centres with medical schools close by were able to volunteer more specialists.

• Patients are urged to pre-book their 15-minute screening time with Odendaal's receptionist Lindy on 041-374-4581.

Bookings have already started and screenings will be from 2.30pm onwards at his Cape Road practice on Monday. - Balisa Ntloko