- Skin cancer represents one of the most common male malignancies in the UAE with a 14.5% prevalence rate[1]
- The reason for the high incidence of skin cancer in the UAE is not clear
- “Early diagnosis increases survival rates,” says Dr. Khashayar Ghiassi, Specialist Dermatologist at Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centers
Taking into account the epidemiologic trends of skin cancer around the world and the region, there is a need to control the increasing incidence and subsequent socioeconomic burden. Efforts towards this aim include optimization of the registration standards and development of efficient primary and secondary prevention strategies.
Dr. Khashayar Ghiassi, Specialist Dermatologist at Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centers said, “In the UAE, skin cancer represents one of the most common male malignancies with a prevalence rate of 14.5%. Though it’s not entirely clear what the reason is for the increased incidence locally, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern[2].”
One in every three cancers diagnosed globally is skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.[3]
“The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be immediately evaluated,” added Dr. Ghiassi.
The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. These cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.[4] Dr. Ghiassi noted, “If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.”
The risk of skin cancer depends on the skin type, he explained. There are six skin types with type one classified as the fairest skin that always burns, but never tans, and type six as dark or black skin that never burns, but always tans. “In the UAE, we see all skin types, thus skin cancers are not uncommon. The incidence of skin cancer is higher among those with fair skin,” he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says some individual risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, blue, green or hazel eyes, light-colored hair, tendency to burn rather than suntan, history of severe sunburns, many moles, freckles and a family history of skin cancer.[5]
“Early diagnosis increases survival rates. Skin cancer found and removed early are almost always curable. At Medcare, we highly urge individuals to conduct skin cancer screening regularly. The process is a visual inspection of the skin without any blood work included. Screening and self-exams for melanomas should be a priority for everyone,” concluded Dr. Ghiassi.
-Ends-
About Medcare
Medcare is the premium healthcare division of Aster DM Healthcare, a global healthcare group with presence in 9 countries including the Middle East, India and Africa. Medcare has three multi-specialty hospitals, Medcare Hospital Safa Park Dubai and Medcare Hospital Sharjah, Medcare Women and Children Hospital in Dubai, a facility that is exclusively for women and children.
Under the Medcare brand, Medcare Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is a uniquely dedicated for orthopedics and spine care. Medcare has two specialty centres and 12 multi-specialty centres in key locations across Dubai and Sharjah. With a team of 350+ outstanding doctors and top-notch medical technology, Medcare offers world-class healthcare services to patients of all age.
© Press Release 2019Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
