Skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the Netherlands. One in five people will develop skin cancer, and we expect that the number of diagnoses will only increase. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we know what kind of damage the sun can cause, which is why we joined the Zonvenant as a strategic partner: an initiative of the Huidfonds, the Dutch skin foundation. Through this declaration of intent, we will work harder to inform the public, patients, and colleagues of the risks of developing skin cancer through sun exposure.
Strategic Partnership
The team of the NKI skin and melanoma center works hard every day to provide the best possible treatment to all patients with skin cancer, and to maintain the highest quality of life. The Center for Early Diagnostics tries to detect this cancer type in an early stage.
Elsemieke Plasmeijer, dermatologist, explains why we joined the partnership: “We see the effects of sun damage on the skin every day. Unfortunately, one third of patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancer develop a new case of skin cancer within five years. This makes skin cancer a chronic illness, which taxes health care significantly. We want to get there early and prevent the development of a second case of skin cancer. We inform patients of the risk of the sun every day and recommend ways to prevent sun damage. We notice that there is plenty to gain in terms of awareness. It is important to know that sun exposure at a young age will increase the risk of skin cancer, so it is vital to start early. Prevention is key.”
Photo:
The Zonvenant was signed by Elsemieke Plasmeijer, dermatologist at AVL, Marijne Landman, Director of the Skin Fund, and Jacqueline Stouthard, member of the Board of Directors at AVL (from left to right).
