Melanoma screening was conducted on a number of people, addressed as the risk groups, so as to create awareness on this tumour type and pinpoint the seriousness of this disease. The program was conducted at the Near East University Hospital; with a slogan “Let’s be Aware of Melanoma!” on the risk groups which include melanoma patients and the immediate family members of these patients.

According to the press info release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Specialist Doctor at the Department of Dermatological and Venereal Diseases of Near East University Dr. Serap Maden made statements regarding the screening program and stated that the moles which may be risky were screened, then the patients were informed of the spots which needed to be checked regularly and/or which needed to be removed. Furthermore, she stressed that melanoma patients were informed of how to self-examine the spots and of sun screening for protection.

As an external factor, the Sun plays a major role in melanoma disease...

Providing further details on the matter, Dr. Serap Maden stated that the Sun played a major role, as an external factor, in the melanoma disease and added that people should be cautious about duration of sun exposure. Pointing to the geographical position of the island, she stressed that during the summer months the angle of sun rays were perpendicular; alongside prolonged periods of sun exposure, which all needed to be handled with care to minimise harms which could be caused on our skin. In this regard, she stated that sun hats and umbrellas should be used, in addition to sun blocking creams recommended according to our skin type by a dermatologist. She added that we should also self-examine our moles and visit a dermatologist as soon as we realise a change. She ended her words by stating that we should be very cautious about melanoma disease since its consequences could be fatal and help raise the public’s awareness on this issue.