The statistic that clearly jumps out at you with regard to skin cancer in the U.S. is the fact that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with this form of cancer in the course of their lifetime. If that doesn't grab your attention then there's this: one person dies from melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - every hour, so it should certainly serve as a time to pause.
It is because of statistics such as those the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has deemed the month of May as Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The idea here is all about awareness and to encourage the public to learn more about this deadly form of cancer, as early detection is such a key to fighting it.
Tech Times recently caught up with a true expert on this topic, Richard Bezozo, M.D. and president of MoleSafe, an advanced melanoma screening and surveillance program that combines total-body photography, digital dermoscopy and digital serial monitoring.
In light of Melanoma Monday and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, MoleSafe has partnered with the Melanoma Research Foundation, and will be donating a portion of its proceeds for every screening conducted during the month of May. For information about MoleSafe and early detection programs visit its website.
Thus, in keeping with the May is Melanoma Month theme, we'll be chatting with Dr. Bezozo all week and we open today with a few questions about his aforementioned start-up, MoleSafe, and how the company is helping to combat this potentially deadly, but often ignored, form of cancer.
Tech Times: Can you please explain the history of MoleSafe?
Dr. Bezozo: MoleSafe is part of a worldwide network of more than 40 melanoma centers. Developed by MoleMap in New Zealand and Australia, the countries with the highest incidences of melanoma, MoleSafe was brought to the U.S. in 2008. Richard Bezozo, M.D., pioneered bringing the technology to the U.S. and has served as an influential force behind the expansion of MoleSafe facilities, by establishing centers of melanoma excellence at hospitals across the country that utilize the MoleSafe program for early detection and improve patient outcomes.
MoleSafe/MoleMap continues to serve as a global leader in development and provision of unique, proven, integrated imaging and teledermatology health solutions for early and accurate detection of skin cancer. Today, thousands of melanomas and other skin cancers have been diagnosed from more than 150,000 telemedicine consultations.
Tech Times: How does MoleSafe work? What does the program entail to make it the world's most advanced melanoma screening and surveillance program?
Dr. Bezozo: MoleSafe is the world's most advanced melanoma screening and surveillance program because it combines all of the current proven processes into one single program that have proven to be highly successful. The innovative program incorporates a suite advanced melanoma detection and diagnosis tools and technology, including total body photography, digital dermoscopy, and digital serial monitoring. This program is easily integrated into physicians' practices to enhance the quality of care and patient satisfaction, drives patient retention, and strengthens patient relationships.
Tomorrow we'll take a closer look at the MoleSafe procedure that Dr. Bezozo explains represents a new standard of care and is part of a life-long program for the early detection of melanoma.
