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Flavia Maklouf is a dermatologist Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Petrópolis – RJ, specializing in Marcílio Dias Naval Hospital, Orthomolecular Practice from FAPESHomotoxicology and Medicine by ABHH. Specials: Integrative Dermatology, Homotoxicology, Orthomolecular, Quantum and Floral Medicine and owns Clínica AngioSkinCare in SP.
Given the importance of skin cancer prevention care, I interviewed Dermatologist, Flavia Maklouf.
How was the Orange December campaign born and what is its importance for health?
R: The Orange December campaign was created by the Brazilian Association of Dermatology, with the aim of preventing skin cancer, which is the most common tumor in Brazil, by raising awareness and providing guidance to the population on this subject.
What are the main cases of skin cancer and how have the combat measures been?
R: The most common cases of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, responsible for 177,000 new cases of the disease per year – these are more superficial, localized and have a more positive evolution and prognosis when treated early.
Rarer and more deadly than carcinomas, melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and registers 8,400 cases per year, therefore requiring more specialized and ongoing attention and treatment.
What are the preventive measures against skin cancer?
R: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10:00 and 16:00 in order to avoid sunburn, which develops with pain, burning, redness, blisters and peeling. Due to continuous burns, the skin acquires lesions and spots that can evolve into skin cancer in the long term.
Seeking shady places, using adequate protection such as: clothing, hats or wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, umbrellas and tents is essential.
Constantly wet clothes and hats of children and adults with sun protection, to avoid dehydration as well.
Apply to the skin, before being exposed to the sun, a protective (protective) cream with a protection factor of at least 30. It is worth noting that the sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, during exposure to the sun, as well as after diving or profuse sweating. Even “waterproof” sunscreens need to be reapplied.
Use your sunscreen for your lips and always remember your ears and scalp;
On cloudy days, it is also important to use protection.
Be careful with fruits and products that react to exposure to the sun, which can lead to burns on areas of the body in contact with the skin. Example: lemon juice.
Tattoos can hide injuries, so they deserve attention.
In professional activities, it may be necessary to reformulate the work schedule or the organization of tasks performed throughout the day by workers exposed to the sun for long periods.
How important is skin cancer awareness?
R: “Population awareness is essential. Both types of cancer have high cure rates if detected early, hence the importance of maintaining habits that will help prevent the disease.
What are the factors that most affect people with skin cancer?
R: Different types of cancer have different risk factors.
We consider age, skin color, eye and hair color, age, family history, lifetime sun exposure; type of professional occupation; food, among other habits and quality of life. The lighter the skin, the greater the chance of skin cancer due to the decrease in melanin that protects us. In most cases, just reducing sun exposure and proper care already protect and prevent throughout life.
Although risk factors can influence the development of skin cancer, most do not directly cause the disease. Some people with multiple risk factors may not develop cancer at all, while others with no known risk factors may get it.
What are the positive results in the level of skin cancer awareness?
R: Patients consult doctors more and understand the need and importance of skin care in relation to lifelong sun exposure, and therefore the rates of new cases have decreased. However, there is more involvement in the older age group of the population, which, strictly speaking, did not have the habits of care and protection in the past;
Currently, we are able to diagnose earlier, treat effectively and prevent the most severe and advanced consequences of the disease.
What are your pages for people to contact?
R: Instagram: @flaviamaklouf.dermato
Youtube: Dr. Flavia Maklouf
Website: www.draflaviamaklouf.com.br
Facebook: Clínica AngioskinCare
Email: [email protected]
