Free walk-in skin cancer screening to take place to mark the launch and Euro-Melanoma 2019
University Hospital Kerry (UHK) have announced the official launch of a Pigmented Lesion Clinic (PLC), which will open on Saturday, 18th May. The Clinic will be a consultant-led service, situated in the Out-Patient Department of the hospital.
The consultant-led, Pigmented Lesion Clinic (PLC) is a rapid access clinic for patients with lesions suspicious of Melanoma. The establishment of the PLC will mean quicker access for consultation appointments for patients and facilitate the prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases of Melanoma.
In Ireland, Melanoma is the 4th most common invasive cancer with over 1,000 cases diagnosed each year. Since the prognosis for Melanoma is closely related to early detection, the establishment of the PLC at UHK, will be an invaluable asset to the population of Kerry.
The PLC will see approximately 20-25 new patients at each sitting in UHK (on alternate weeks). Following on from the PLC, a minor surgical list will take place in the afternoon, with 5-6 potential Melanomas and moles for excision. Where possible, the PLC clinic will offer an immediate excision service. The PLC clinic at UHK will feed into the Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings in Cork University Hospital (CUH) on a regular basis.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin will formally open the UHK Pigmented Lesion Clinic on Saturday 18th May, at 3:00pm at the Out-Patient Department, UHK, Tralee.
As part of Euro-Melanoma 2019, the consultant dermatologists from University Hospital Kerry and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, will offer a free walk-in skin cancer screening in the Out-Patient Department, UHK, Tralee on Saturday, 18th May from 8.30 – 11.00 am. All adults are welcome to attend.
Euro-Melanoma is a pan-European prevention campaign against skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It is also the easiest to cure, if diagnosed and treated early. When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death. The screening day serves to highlight awareness of skin cancer amongst the general public and to encourage self checks for new or changing skin lesions.
Remember, whether at home or abroad this summer, occasional, intense sun exposure and sunburn increases skin cancer risk. More about melanoma and skin cancer here.
We want everyone in Ireland to learn to Protect & Inspect their skin! Download our short guide, written with hospital-based dermatologists, to checking your skin.
Melanoma is on the rise in Ireland: see the facts in these info-graphics – Melanoma Skin Cancer and Solar UV Radiation.
