May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so we thought it would be a good time to look at some statistics and see how we at Schuco can contribute in making a difference.
As we know, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise. At least 100,000 new cases are now diagnosed each year with the disease killing over 2,500 people every year in the UK alone – that’s 7 people every day. Rates of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer. (British Skin Foundation)
Our aim is to give our customers the best tools to identify skin cancer effectively. The DermLite dermatoscope range has something to suit everyone, from initial screening in GP practices, to dermatologist diagnosis. Never has this been truer than now, as our DermLite range is growing, with the imminent release of the DermLite GL – a simplified dermatascope for skin screening and general examinations within primary care. We will be announcing more about the new DermLite GL on social media over the next few weeks.
Early detection of skin cancer can often mean the difference between life and death. Melanoma is notoriously more difficult to treat in the later stages. Of all those diagnosed with melanoma in England and Wales, about 86 out of every 100 people will live for at least 5 years. About 83 out of every 100 people diagnosed with melanoma will live for at least 10 years. (Melanoma UK)
Of course, we want these statistics to improve. If melanoma is diagnosed early, the survival statistics are very good. Most stage 1 and stage 2 melanomas can be cured after fairly minor surgery. In 80-90% of cases, melanoma can be removed with no recurrence. (Melanoma UK)
It is gratifying to know that over Schuco’s 60-year history, our dermatoscopes have contributed to the early diagnosis of skin cancer in numerous patients. Knowing that our products make a difference and can help save lives is really quite astounding. It is with this knowledge that we are inspired and determined to keep giving our customers only the very best support, training and products.
At Schuco we like to stay ahead of technology and bring the latest devices into the clinics, surgeries and hospitals of our customers. This gives them the best chance of diagnosing effectively and delivering optimum service for their patients.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a time in which people are encouraged to not only look after their skin and protect it from harmful UV rays, but also told to check their skin for unusual moles, especially ones that change shape or colour. Moles that are bleeding, itchy, an odd shape or colour, raised or larger than normal should quickly be checked by a GP or dermatologist.
Whilst we are all getting better at understanding how skin cancer works, we still have a long way to go. Although May is the month in which we shout about skin cancer, Schuco will continue to spread awareness throughout the year, and strive to equip more and more clinicians with the right tools to detect, identify and diagnose skin cancer, before it’s too late.
