Lisa Isaacs
WITH skin cancer being the most common type of cancer in South Africa, a renowned US expert is on a visit to Cape Town to promote research collaboration and share insight related to melanoma as a growing health issue.
According to the Cancer Association of SA there are about 20 000 reported cases of skin cancer every year and 700 deaths.
The World Health Organisation reports that between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and about 132 000 malignant melanomas occur globally every year. The three most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Professor Jeffrey Gershenwald, of the University of Texas, said melanoma cancer had been on the increase in the last two decades.
“It is important to note that while melanoma is most common in the South African white population, all individuals can develop melanoma.
“Among the South African black population, although melanoma incidence is significantly lower, significant delays in diagnosis have been noted,” he said.
Some reports suggest that the majority of melanomas in black South Africans arise in none or minimally sun-exposed skin – in particular, the soles of the feet, palms of the hand, under the nails and mucosal surfaces, he said.
When detected early, melanoma is very treatable and often curable. In advanced stages, it has historically been associated with poor survival.
“An improved understanding of the biology and immunology of melanoma has ushered in a new era in therapy over the past five years that has revolutionised and transformed our approach to care of the patient with advanced melanoma.”
Gershenwald will visit a school in Mitchells Plain this week to talk to a group of teachers from the local schools regarding skin cancer.
African Cancer Institute director, Professor Vikash Sewram, said: “ We are here to make a difference and change behaviour especially with respect to modifiable risk factors associated with cancer. Melanoma is certainly one that is preventable.”