Cancer: the “Signs on the skin” awareness campaign is underway

Early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions is essential actinic keratosis which can eventually cause squamous cell carcinoma. A new one is born country from awareness raising of the name “Signals on the skin”. This is promoted by the Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases SIDeMaST.

The dates on the agenda are from September 23 to October 20. This is the exact period when 23 dermatological centers throughout Italy can be visited for free. Specialist dermatologists will be available for patients with actinic keratosis.

Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer is one of the greatest challenges for the dermatologist. Our Scientific Association is at the forefront of providing accurate information to people, supporting patient associations and continuously training dermatologists in dermato-oncology. Knowing your skin, the correct and constant protection from the sun’s rays, the early recognition of actinic keratoses and their treatment is essential for the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.

Professor Giuseppe Monfrecola, President of SIDeMaST

At least 30% of people over 70 have at least one actinic keratosis. It is about a wound of the skin what happens after the age of 40, one of the most common in Italy. The most exposed areas are the face, ears, backs of hands and scalp in baldness. People with blond hair and light eyes, those who spend too much time in the sun, and those who use sunlamps are at greatest risk. However, if injuries are present, they pose a potential risk. If left untreated, they can develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A skin cancer that can spread to internal organs.

Actinic keratosis, which affects about 400,000 people in Italy, manifests itself with pink, red or brown spots that initially feel only rough, but over time thicken and become hard, ranging in size up to a few centimeters: they are almost always asymptomatic but can cause itching or pain. It is often underestimated, but instead deserves special attention because we know that it can potentially evolve into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. It is therefore an injury that can and should be treated as we currently have many different types of conditions therapies ablative and medical.

Professor Ketty Peris, Director of UOC Dermatology of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Foundation and former President of SIDeMaST