Skin doctor makes another appeal over tinted car windows

A year has passed since dermatologists called for the easing of restrictions on tinted car windows but nothing has been done about it, according to consultant Lawrence Scerri.

Now that the annual melanoma campaign has kicked off, the doctor pointed out that his case for tinted windows should not be forgotten.

Speaking at a Euro-Melanoma Skin Cancer Campaign press conference yesterday, Dr Scerri said he had received no feedback from the authorities in the past year, and if things remained this way he would consider contacting Transport Malta.

“This is not a frivolous request, at the end of the day,” he said, pointing out that tinted windows would help to reduce the chances of melanoma.

The skin specialist again appealed to the authorities to ease restrictions, saying it was unnecessary for people to have to obtain a certificate from their consultant to be allowed to have tinted windows on their cars.

In 2009, six men and two women died of skin cancer, which is “a growing problem”, according to Dr Scerri. While there were some 21 new cases of melanoma per year between 1993 and 2000, this rose to 38.7 cases per year between 2001 and 2008.

Cutaneous melanoma, as the cancer is called, is a malignant tumour of melanocyte cells in the skin. It is not perilous at the beginning, and if caught early can be removed before it spreads, dermatologist Michael Boffa said.

A malignant mole can be told apart from a benign mole through the formula ABCDE: cancerous lesions tend to be Asymmetrical, with irregular Borders, have varied Colour, are larger than six millimetres in Diameter, and Evolve in size, shape and colour, and have spontaneous irritation, inflammation or bleeding within a short period of time.

Dr Boffa urged people to get moles check out when in doubt about whether they were cancerous.

On May 16, the Dermatology Department will be offering screening by appointment only for persons with suspicious moles and lesions.

He urged people to avoid the midday sun, wear suitable clothing, use sunscreen and remember that certain circumstances may affect UV transmission.

Health promotion director Charmaine Gauci reminded people that it was not only at the beach that protection should be sought. Even at work people may be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, she said.

She warned against the negative effects of sun beds, saying the Health Department was recommending that they should carry health warnings.

Those who wish to book an appointment to screen a suspicious mole on May 16 should call 229 8105 or 229 8153.