SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Nov. 9 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife, through its Delegated Department of Education for Prevention, has initiated an island-wide campaign aimed at preventing skin cancer, during which 81 potential cases have been identified.
Collaborating with the Spanish Association Against Cancer, the Official College of Pharmacists of the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Primary Care Management of the Tenerife Health Area, the pilot project has reached 19 locations across the island over the past four months, raising awareness among the public regarding the dangers and protective measures related to sun exposure.
The Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila, stated in a communication that “this programme serves as a crucial resource to enlighten the populace on the importance of skin care and the early detection of skin cancer.”
She remarked that “the occurrence of this type of disease has surged by 40% in recent years, thus necessitating the launch of such prevention initiatives.”
Additionally, the Minister of Education for Prevention, Juan Acosta, emphasised that this campaign aligns with broader prevention objectives, extending not only to this area but also to suicide prevention and mental health initiatives. It has successfully initiated significant projects through collaboration with all governing bodies.
The president of the Official College of Pharmacists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Manuel Ángel Galván, has characterised the campaign as a triumph.
“Timely detection of a condition potentially leading to skin cancer is already a victory; coupled with raising awareness among the public to adopt suitable self-protection measures against the sun in an area that is highly exposed to UV rays, we can enhance the health of the island’s residents,” he remarked.
Galván asserted that “efforts such as this illustrate the advantages of employing the network of pharmaceutical health professionals who are accessible without prior appointments and conveniently located near patients’ residences.”
He added that “adherence to screening, disease prevention, and health promotion would yield better outcomes with their involvement.”
Ana Belén Prado, manager of the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, mentioned that the solar campaign has successfully disseminated prevention and awareness information to 1,687 individuals, providing them with knowledge and resources for maintaining healthy skin.
“Thanks to the collaboration between the Island Council of Tenerife, pharmaceutical professionals, and Primary Care, cases were referred for evaluation within the Canarian Health Service, facilitating early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and subsequently preventing severe complications while promoting long-term skin health. For us, this is an immensely valuable campaign,” she stated.
ON-SITE ASSESSMENTS
Since the commencement of the campaign, 59 individuals have been referred to Primary Care for lesions indicative of or suspicious for Actinic Keratosis, comprising 41 men and 18 women.
The average age of these individuals is 71 years. Of the 59 referred, 36 have already been assessed by their primary care physician to date.
Following evaluations by their Primary Care doctor, a suspected diagnosis of a pre-cancerous Actinic Keratosis lesion was confirmed in 25 individuals, of whom 21 have been referred to dermatology services, two to minor surgery, and two continue receiving treatment and follow-up from their Primary Care physician.
In four out of the 36 evaluated in Primary Care, a suspected diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, was validated.
The initiative arises from an “alarming reality,” as detailed by the Cabildo, given that the Canary Islands exhibit the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in Europe, which are three times higher than the maximum levels documented on the Peninsula.
This risk factor, combined with a predominantly light skin phototype (type II), renders the population of Tenerife especially susceptible to skin lesions.
Surveys conducted during the campaign unveil concerning statistics.
Only 45% of respondents utilise daily sun protection, and although 80% of them employ a high protection factor (50+), merely 57% apply it adequately, while 18% reapply it at the recommended intervals.
MORE THAN 1,600 PEOPLE SERVED
The campaign has benefitted over 1,650 individuals through face-to-face interactions, enabling citizens to amend and enhance their practices regarding photoprotection.
Furthermore, the outcomes revealed that 8% of participants have encountered skin cancer or precancer, with Actinic Keratosis (AK) being one of the most prevalent and perilous lesions.
This condition, which may lead to skin carcinoma, typically manifests on exposed areas such as the face, ears, and neckline due to the cumulative effects of UV radiation over the years.
The cooperation of all entities involved in this campaign has fostered the establishment of a vital support network for Tenerife’s residents in the battle against skin cancer, instilling a proactive and responsible consciousness about daily photoprotection.
Through initiatives like this, the Tenerife Cabildo reinforces its dedication to the health of the island, prioritising education and prevention as vital strategies for diminishing the incidence of skin cancer on the island.
