There are approximately 15,000 skin cancer cases in Hungary a year, and about 2,000 of these are malignant melanomas developing from the pigment cells. The number of deaths caused by melanoma can be reduced by the surgical removal of melanoma detected early and the regular screening of those in the risk group. Our department participates in the annual Euromelanoma day primarily aimed at screening suspected cancer lesions and people with increased risk of cancer and last but not least to educate and call the attention of people to this topic. We contact a different target population every year in connection with the birthmark consultation, trying to reach those age groups where the occurrence of cancer is the highest.
At the same time, it is known that the risk of skin cancer among those with organ transplants is higher, especially for non-melanoma skin cancer. As part of primary prevention, we put together a presentation on adequate sunbathing and sun protection habits, where we call attention to increased risks and teach people how to use proper sun protection and how to recognize suspected cancer lesions as early as possible, also providing an opportunity for early dermatological screening as well.
We also completed a questionnaire survey on sunbathing and sun protection habits and birthmark screening among those of school age also involving school doctors.
Besides skin cancer, the number of sexually transmitted infections has also been growing in Hungary. A significant part of the patients are under 25 and the majority of them are not aware of the subsequent complications caused by the infections (e.g. chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, persistent genital inflammation), the teratogenic effects of infection during pregnancy, the increased risk of HIV, and the transmission and spreading of the infection. Besides the adequate information of patients, the discussion of preventive measures, and close collaboration with other institutions providing specialized care, we also support prevention presentations organized by medical students.
More and more people suffer from diabetes, and the disease is often accompanied by certain skin symptoms and skin and soft tissue infections are more frequent. If left untreated, the often hard-to-notice symptoms can result in severe complications that requires complex care and interdisciplinary cooperation. It is a priority for our department to prevent the dermatological complications of diabetes and to treat the already existing infections, ulcers adequately. As part of primary prevention, podometry testing is also available. At the same time, we also strive for the early detection and adequate treatment of lymphedema, the basis of which is the lymphatic drainage and compression therapy provided by a qualified physiotherapist, which is possible only with the cooperation of the patient. The patients participating in the program also receive lifestyle advice and recommendations for doing exercise at home.
For the psoriasis patients treated at the department there has been a club available for fifteen years supported by the department, where information sessions are held by the department staff for the patients and their relatives regularly. We also organize annual media coverage together with the psoriasis club as part of the Swimmers’ Night event, first nationally and by this year with several European countries joining, to call attention to the psychosocial burdens of the disease.
We regularly participate in the screening programs organized by the university for students with birthmarks examinations and acne consultations.