Suna Isakova, an oncologist at the medical company SberHealth, has urged Russians to get checked for skin cancer at the end of the summer season.
Speaking in an interview with news outlet Lenta.ru, Isakova explained that many people experience active and regular exposure to sunlight throughout the summer months. She advised individuals to perform a self-examination of their moles or, preferably, to undergo a professional dermatoscopy examination.
Isakova emphasized that the earlier melanoma is detected, the higher the chances of achieving a complete cure. The oncologist noted that when the disease is identified at later stages, the medical prognosis worsens significantly.
Identifying Warning Symptoms in Moles
During a self-examination, several specific symptoms should prompt immediate concern. Isakova stated that individuals should watch for mole asymmetry, changes in color, an increase in size, and the appearance of itching, burning, soreness, or bleeding.
She added that moles presenting uneven, blurred, or jagged edges instead of their usual smooth contour are also warning signs. The specialist urged anyone who notices even a single one of these listed indicators to consult a dermatologist or an oncologist without delay.
Understanding Dermatoscopy and Skin Cancer
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses specialized magnification and illumination equipment to inspect skin lesions in detail. The technique allows clinicians to evaluate sub-surface pigment patterns and structural features of moles that are invisible to the naked eye, aiding early detection of skin malignancies.
Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the specialized cells responsible for producing melanin pigment. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight damages cell DNA, which can trigger abnormal cell growth in existing moles or give rise to new cancerous lesions over time.
SberHealth is a major Russian digital health service company that provides telehealth consultations, diagnostic appointments, and remote medical services across the country.
Related Health Risk Warnings
In a previous health statement, oncourologist Alexander Sysoev warned men that certain everyday habits elevate the risk of developing prostate cancer. Sysoev specifically highlighted a sedentary lifestyle as one of the key daily habits that increases prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system and is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men. Medical research indicates that prolonged physical inactivity negatively impacts circulation, metabolic health, and hormone levels, which can contribute to higher risks of developing malignant tumors.
