Free preventive examinations as part of the Euromelan campaign - the fight against melanoma, will be conducted in 11 Montenegrin municipalities in May.
The campaign is supported by the Ministry of Health, the Health Insurance Fund, the University of Montenegro, the Clinical Center, the European Academy of Dermatovenerology and the European Academy of Dermato-Oncology.
"This year's initiative is focused on the detection of melanoma at an early stage, when curability is the highest. Year after year, there is an increasing increase in the number of melanoma patients, which is of particular concern due to the growing incidence among the young population. These statistics on the incidence and mortality of melanoma confirms the importance of public health activities that dermatologists have been carrying out for years. The month of May is known as the month of melanoma awareness, and dermatologists in Montenegro mark this period every year through various activities," she announced. Ana Popović, MD, PhD, dermatologist oncologist, national coordinator of the Euromelan campaign.
She emphasizes the necessity of raising public awareness about this potentially deadly disease.
"Previous campaigns were aimed at promoting preventive measures, early diagnosis and timely treatment of skin cancer. However, this year we want to additionally support and empower patients who are fighting melanoma. Therefore, this year's campaign, in addition to promoting preventive measures, is also aimed at providing support people living with this disease. We want to support them and encourage them to be careful, but also to emphasize the importance of regular visits to the doctors in case of a recurrence of the disease. The very diagnosis and treatment period of melanoma patients is indispensable part of the support system for both the sick person and the family members. Anxiety, depression, and uncertainty that the disease brings are conditions that accompany the entire course of the disease and the course of recovery. Therefore, we want to provide support to the sick to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of the disease." , the statement added.
The slogan of this year's Euromelan campaign, "Live and learn, Knowledge is life", emphasizes the importance of adapting and acquiring knowledge about how to deal with melanoma, how to continue living with melanoma. The goal, says Popović, is to draw attention to the importance of introducing positive changes, preserving physical and mental health, as well as developing awareness of self-examination and sharing personal experiences. Also, the importance of support and understanding in the recovery process is highlighted.
At the same time, this year's campaign is aimed at improving protection against UV radiation. By using appropriate preventive measures, the risk of photodamage and skin cancer is reduced.
"It is important to point out that support in the fight against melanoma is key to promoting public health and continuously spreading awareness about this significant health problem. The Euromelanoma campaign is supported by the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, the University of Montenegro, the Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro, the Clinical Center of Montenegro, the European Academy of Dermato-Oncology, the European Academy of Dermatovenerology and the members of the Association of Dermatovenerologists of Montenegro. Only by working together can we raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of this serious disease and thus reduce the number of new cases in our country as soon as we reduce the burden not only for the patient, but also for the whole society," notes Popović
Through the Euromelanoma campaign, he adds, the goals are to educate the public about the importance of implementing preventive measures, inform citizens about the importance of early diagnosis, and provide information about melanoma treatment options.
"In order to reach as many citizens as possible, we are active on social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X under the name 'Montenegro Euromelanoma'. Also, billboards with the slogan of this year's campaign 'Live and learn, Knowledge is life', will be placed in busy locations in several municipalities in Montenegro, and citizens have a translated website at their disposal www.euromelanoma.eu/cnr-me, where they can find useful information about the prevention, recognition and treatment of skin cancer," says Popović.
Students of the Faculty of Medicine and students of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education of the University of Montenegro continue with educational lectures in secondary schools on the topic: "Negative effects of UV rays".
For the purposes of this year's campaign, a video clip was shot in which doctors of various specialties from the Clinical Center of Montenegro and the University of Montenegro participate, who actively contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients with this potentially deadly disease. "This video highlights the importance of supporting patients in their struggle. The message from doctors of various specialties is simple but powerful: 'Your medical team is here to support you, so don't hesitate to ask questions or seek advice when you need it.'" says Popovic.
Citizens are invited to respond to free preventive examinations as part of the Euromelano campaign, which will be held on May 9 in 11 municipalities, in state and private health institutions.
According to Popović, about 60 new cases of melanoma are recorded every year in Montenegro, "which represents a significant public health challenge." It is alarming, he says, that a large number of patients present to dermatologists in the late stages of the disease, which further emphasizes the need for education and preventive measures.
Patients, he points out, should seek an examination if they notice new changes in the skin or if there is a change in existing moles, such as differences in color, irregular edges or changes in shape and size. Especially sensitive groups are people with light skin, hair and eyes, as well as people with a family history of melanoma and those with a large number of moles.
As part of the campaign, dermatological examinations will be available in various institutions and cities throughout Montenegro:
Nikšić General Hospital (10 a.m.-14 p.m.) - dr. Vladan Bošković dr. Marija Perović Bijelić
Bijelo Polje General Hospital (12-14 p.m.) - dr. Senada Spahić
Berane Clinical Hospital Center (10 a.m.-14 p.m.) - dr. Vera Babic
Pljevlja General Hospital (10am-14pm) - dr. Branko Stanic
Dom zdravlja Budva (11am-14pm) - dr. Marija Mališić Korac
General Hospital "Danilo I" Cetinje (8am-12pm) - dr. Sanja Vujanovic
PZU "Sine Morbo", Podgorica (contact phone: 069/240 810) - dr. Jovana Boljević Special Hospital Dr. MedTim, Podgorica (contact phone: 069/130130) - dr. Svetlana Vučeković
PZU "Reichel," Kotor (contact phone: 032/334675) - dr. Tiana Reichel
Medical Center Budva (contact phone: 068/331 333) - dr. Vanja Banićević
Herceg Novi Health Center May 18 (14-18pm) - Prof. Dr. Milena Đurović, dr. Tijana Reichel, Ph.D. Marija Mališić Korać, Ph.D. sc. med. Ana Popović
Dom zdravlja Ulcinj May 19 (14-18 p.m.) – Prof. Dr. Milena Đurović, Dr. Vladan Bošković, Ph.D. Milica Đurović Bojić, Ph.D. sc. med. Ana Popović
"Blažo Orlandić" General Hospital, Bar, May 30 (10 a.m.-13 p.m.) - dr. Biljana Raičević, Ph.D. Sandra Jelenkovic
The clinic for dermatovenerology of the Clinical Center of Montenegro will organize preventive examinations without prior appointment by the selected doctor on May 7, 8, 9 and 10. Interested citizens can get more information by calling 020/412-450 on Monday and Tuesday, April 29 and 30, from 13 to 15 p.m. - Dr. Nataša Vukotić Đuričanin, Ph.D. Danijela Katić, Ph.D. Snežana Vukadinović and Ana Popović, MD, PhD.
Bonus video:
