Around 3,000 Patients Await Dermatology Consultations, With 500 Urgent Cases
Dermatology waiting lists in Madeira continue to concern specialists in both the public and private sectors. Around 3,000 people are currently waiting for dermatology consultations, although the most urgent cases account for fewer than 500 patients.
We have around 3,000 people, which is quite a lot (…) There is a lot of difficulty both in training new dermatologists and in recruitment, and naturally the population needs more care, there are more and more cases of skin diseases, more and more cases.
Tiago Esteves, Director Dermatology SESARAM, RTP Madeira
Tiago Esteves continued to say said attempts have been made to reduce the waiting list year after year.
Skin Cancer Cases Increase by About 6% Every Year in Portugal
Dermatology is among the medical areas with the greatest shortage of doctors, while skin diseases and skin cancer cases are increasing.
“There are more and more cases of skin diseases, and more and more cases of skin cancer,” the dermatologist said. “We would need many more dermatologists, but this is already a national problem, not just a regional one.”
According to Tiago Esteves, the incidence of skin cancer is increasing by around 6% every year.
The incidence of skin cancer is increasing by around 6% per year. Melanoma is the most serious form.
Melanoma Cases in Madeira Could Reach Nearly 40 During 2025
Doctors say melanoma remains the most serious type of skin cancer. Madeira usually records around 30 melanoma diagnoses per year, but specialists expect that figure to increase.
We diagnose around 30 melanoma cases per year, but we do not yet have the official 2025 data. This number will certainly be exceeded, very close to 40 cases per year
Screening Campaign Contacted 50 Patients for Preventive Checks
The RTP Madeira report said 50 patients were called for a skin cancer screening campaign.
“I think anything related to prevention is worthwhile,” one resident said. “Especially because I do not have hair, I am always exposed to ultraviolet rays, so I think we should always use protection.”
Another participant stressed the importance of sunscreen use during walks and at lunchtime.
Earlier Melanoma Diagnoses Among Young Adults
A concern is also the melanoma diagnoses appearing at younger ages.
Young people from the age of 20 or 30 are receiving melanoma diagnoses earlier and earlier. This is a major concern
The Tiago Esteves advised people to monitor suspicious skin lesions or moles that change and referred to the ABCDE rule used to identify possible warning signs of melanoma.
What is The ABCDE Rule?
The ABCDE rule is a simple method used by dermatologists and the public to identify warning signs of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Each letter stands for a feature that may indicate a suspicious mole or skin lesion.
A — Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other half in shape.B — Border
The edges are irregular, blurred, jagged, or uneven instead of smooth.C — Color
The mole has different colors or shades, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.D — Diameter
The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can also be smaller.E — Evolving
The mole changes over time in size, shape, color, elevation, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.
Source: RTP Madeira
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