Over 3,000 receive free skin checks in Croatia; one in seven referred for further tests

Dermatologists screened 3,059 individuals across 19 Croatian cities in a recent initiative, offering free, walk-in skin checks crucial for early detection and prevention. Among those examined, 430 people, roughly one in seven, were recommended for further medical follow-up.

This high rate of referrals underscores the importance of accessible screenings. "Melanoma is one of the most dangerous skin cancers, which we can successfully treat if detected early," stated Prof. Marija Buljan, a specialist in dermatology and venereology. She emphasized the need for regular self-examinations and prompt dermatological check-ups for any new or changing skin spots.

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Melanoma is one of the most dangerous skin cancers, which we can successfully treat if detected early. Along with responsible behavior in the sun and regular protection from solar radiation, it is extremely important to regularly perform self-examination of the skin and pay attention to any new or atypical changes that alter appearance, color, or size. Timely dermatological examination can enable early detection of the disease, when the chances of complete recovery are highest.

The initiative, organized by dm, has provided free screenings to over 23,100 citizens since its inception in 2011. "Prevention has been the focus of numerous dm activities because we believe it is the foundation of health preservation," said Gordana Picek, head of dm's procurement and marketing for the Adria region. She noted that the campaign's expansion to more cities this year was driven by previous years' success in identifying individuals needing further care.

Experts stress that sun protection should be a year-round habit, not just a summer practice. The campaign aims to continuously raise public awareness about skin health and the vital role of early detection in combating skin cancer.

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Throughout 30 years of business in Croatia, prevention has been the focus of numerous dm activities because we believe it is the foundation of health preservation. "Protect yourself… and enjoy the sun" is one of our longest-running initiatives, in which we recorded an increase in the number of people referred for further examinations in the previous two editions of the initiative, which prompted us to organize screenings in the largest number of cities this year.