From bustling cafes to busy coastlines, the recent sunny weekends drew us out in droves. But that love for the sun has a dark side: the growing risk of skin cancer, one of the most common cancers in the world. “Early detection is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment,” emphasizes dermatologist Evelyne Lodewick. With waiting times of up to 12 months for a dermatological consultation, the role of digital solutions such as Skindr is more relevant than ever.

According to the latest figures from the Cancer Register Foundation, around one in five Belgians will get skin cancer before the age of 75. In fact, it is the most common cancer among women between the ages of 15 and 29. “The rapid increase in skin cancer patients is worrying,” says Dr. Lodewick. This trend is partly due to population growth and an ageing population — the older you get, the greater the risk of skin cancer. “The older generation knew little or no sun protection as children, because it was often not available back then and the risks weren't clear. Good protection is essential, we now know, especially for children. How often you are exposed to the sun determines your (skin) health in adulthood,” explains Dr. Lodewick, referring to research that shows that those who have been severely burned five times before age 20 are 80% more likely to develop melanoma.

Despite our awareness of the dangers of UV radiation, skin cancer is a long way from my bed show for many. “Enjoying the sun is great, but we have to watch out for the risks,” says Dr. Lodewick. In basal cell carcinoma and spinocellular carcinoma (also known as squamous cell carcinoma), excessive sun exposure is the main cause. In melanoma, the cause is multifactorial, but sunburn still plays an important role, and it is unfortunately one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. The best protection is to avoid the sun, followed by protection through clothing, and lastly apply sunscreen according to skin type. The dermatologist adds that we should be aware that dry clothing protects the skin better against UV rays than wet clothing, which still lets in many UV rays. Special UV swim shirts are a handy solution for purebred water rats. But adults can also benefit from this.

From ABCDE to Skindr

Fortunately, although the number of melanoma diagnoses continues to rise, so do the chances of survival. This suggests that we are diagnosing melanoma earlier and earlier at a stage where the risk of metastases is still very small. “This shows how important early detection is,” emphasizes Dr. Lodewick. Those who are starting to worry can first do self-control. The ABCDE method is still the gold standard for this, and it is important to nuance that one different feature is not immediately a reason to panic. “Today, the emphasis is shifting to identifying people at risk instead of risk spots. Because too many low-risk patients get screened and unintentionally overload dermatologists, while some high-risk patients don't always reach the dermatologist in time,” explains Dr. Lodewick. Especially people with very pale skin, more than 100 birthmarks, who were regularly burned as children or have first-degree relatives with melanoma should be alert.

While Belgian dermatologists are overwhelmed with requests and waiting times are four to twelve months, Skindr offers an efficient solution. The dermatology app connects people with skin problems directly to dermatologists, who provide professional advice, including treatment plans and prescriptions, within 48 hours. “Dermatologists use a dermatoscope in their regular physical practice to assess pigment lesions. This is a type of magnifying glass with special lighting that allows you to see more details. Of course, that is not possible remotely with a photo. Through Skindr, we can therefore not make a certainty diagnosis when it comes to pigment lesions, but we can properly assess the risk. And in case of questionable or high-risk pigment lesions, we quickly provide a physical appointment,” explains Dr. Lodewick, who also does consultations himself via Skindr. Thanks to this efficient treatment procedure, several Skindr patients have already been helped to diagnose and treat melanoma in a timely manner.

“This innovative approach alleviates the pressure on dermatologists and ensures that patients receive the necessary care more quickly. In the fight against skin cancer, every day is important. Technologies like Skindr provide crucial early interventions that are necessary for the best treatment outcomes,” concludes Dr. Evelyne Lodewick.

At a time when we're all longing for more sunlight, it's crucial to stay aware of the risks and proactively protect our skin. With the right knowledge, tools and support, we can safely enjoy the sunlight while protecting ourselves against the dangers of skin cancer.