Within the framework of the MELAdetect project, a total of four “Epidemiology” workshops were held, two of which on June 5th in Mostar and two on July 5th in Zadar.
In the countries of the Mediterranean area, due to the high insolation levels, there is an increased need for raising awareness about melanoma, focusing on the importance of its early detection and the latest treatment options. If detected in an advanced-stage, melanoma leaves little possibility for successfully treating the affected patients. On the other hand, early detection of melanoma increases the patient`s chances of survival by up to 95%. Implementation of the project MELAdetect contributes to the prevention and improves early diagnosis of skin, mucosal and ocular melanoma. Furthermore, it contributes to informing about this dangerous disease, raises the awareness about new therapeutic opportunities and about possibilities of participation in clinical studies. The Project also enables and enhances the exchange of experiences and best practices in the cross-border area.
The first “Epidemiology” workshops held in Mostar and Zadar were aimed at health professionals and health studies students, with the following featured topics: Presentation of the MELAdetect project, Epidemiology of melanoma skin and Epidemiology of ocular and mucosal melanoma. A total of 30 medical professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina project area attended this workshop in Mostar, and 66 from Croatian project area attended the workshop in Zadar.
Other workshops held in both cities were aimed at the pseudo-health professionals. The same topics were presented at these workshops while emphasizing how to recognize skin, mucosal and ocular melanoma in order to improve its early diagnosis and detection.
Following the presentation of these topics, interested workshop attendants asked questions and shared their experiences relevant to the theme. The workshop in Mostar was attended by 38 pseudo-health professionals and by 18 in Zadar.
These workshops were conducted by eminent experts with enviable experience in the area of diagnostics and therapy of skin, mucosal and ocular melanoma: prof. Dubravka Šimić, PhD, MD, specialist in Dermatovenerology from University Clinical Hospital of Mostar and prof. Suzana Konjevoda, PhD, MD, specialist in Ophthalmology, from the University of Zadar. The project itself was presented by prof. Katarina Vukojević, Phd, MD from the University of Mostar.
