June 8, 2018.
You will no longer have to go to the dermatologist to inspect your moles. Some pharmacists will now be able to fulfill this role as well.
Melanoma screening performed by pharmacists
It is recommended to visit the dermatologist at least once a year to take stock of the condition of our moles. Fair-skinned people and people with a large number of moles should be particularly vigilant on this issue. But this little inspection will no longer necessarily be done by a specialist.. From now on, pharmacists will also be able to fulfill this mission.
This new device has been tested since Monday, June 4 in pharmacies at Prado in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), Praden in Alès (Gard) and Bader in Paris. But it should be extended to 50 other pharmacies in the PharmaBest network according to our colleagues from Parisian. The objective of this experiment is to make melanoma screening accessible to as many people as possible.
14,300 new cases in France each year
As a reminder, melanoma is a disease of skin cells. It develops from a normal cell that multiplies in an anarchic fashion to form a lesion called a malignant tumor. Each year there are 14,300 new cases in France and 1,800 people die from it. To be examined, the patient will only have to enter one of these pharmacies, without an appointment, and answer a questionnaire.
In the event of a suspicious mole, the pharmacist will take a photo with a dermatoscope. Snapshot that he will send to dermatologists who will give their diagnosis. You will be sure to have your concerns answered within 15 days. The first shot will be billed 28 €, the following 14 €. However, you should not expect reimbursement by Health Insurance or your mutual.
Marine Rondot
Moles: why should you watch your skin?
