The municipality of Castro Marim will once again host free dermatological screenings for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and other skin diseases across its four parishes.
The initiative will take place in the towns and villages of Castro Marim, Altura, Azinhal, and Odeleite between October 22 and 24.
Carried out with the voluntary collaboration of dermatologist Manuela Aguiar, the scheme has over the years enabled the early detection of skin issues and provided on-site treatment of pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) using liquid nitrogen.
The screenings will take place according to the following schedule:
- October 22: Espaço do Cidadão CIDAFO, Odeleite (9.30am-12.30pm), and Unidade de Cuidados Continuados, Azinhal (2pm-5pm).
- October 23: Lar Cegonha Branca, Altura (9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm).
- October 24: Municipal Library, Castro Marim (9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm).
Registration is mandatory and limited and can be made by phone at 281 510 778 or 281 510 754.
Launched in 2009, the Castro Marim dermatology programme has become a success story in local public health. During the most recent edition in May, around 240 people were examined, with over 70 pre-cancerous lesions treated and 24 individuals referred to the Algarve’s regional health authority for further evaluation. Around 100 participants were placed under observation for ongoing monitoring.
The initiative is led by the municipal council of Castro Marim with the help of local parish councils and ULS Algarve.
