Brand Studio for Bristol Myers Squibb
Within the framework of World Melanoma Day, Bristol Myers Squibb Next to the Argentine Association of Clinical Oncology (AAOC)with the support of the Argentine League to Fight Cancer (LALCEC) and the initiative Melanoma Argentina present #MelaNOmásan awareness campaign on prevention and timely diagnosis of melanoma and skin cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give skin its color) begin to grow out of control. Is less common than other types of skin cancer, although it is more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body if an early diagnosis is not made.
According to data reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022 it is estimated that more than 1,600 cases will be diagnosed in Argentina and, according to projections, By 2045 this figure will increase to more than 2,400, 41% more than those registered in 2022.
With the aim of continuing to share inspiring testimonies, the initiative added the voices of Agustina Vazquez, melanoma patient, and Luciana Graciosi, Manager of American Tattoo, emblematic place when talking about tattoos located in the Bond Street gallery, so that they can transmit the message of awareness from their positions as patient and tattoo artist respectively.
Agustina Vazquez is 32 years old and at 22 she was diagnosed with melanoma. It was detected when she went to the dermatologist to have her skin cleaned. Before leaving she showed him a mole that she had had for a long time and had changed: it was darker, noticeably increased in size and was bleeding.
“I thought I had hurt it with my high-waisted pants, that it was scratched by the friction of the fabric, but that was not the case. Immediately when he saw it, he sent me to do a biopsy. At that moment I realized that something was wrong , I confirmed it when I went to the first medical consultation. I got out of the car and read the word oncology in the name of the clinic. I was frozen. I clearly remember what the doctor said: “you have melanoma, you have to operate as soon as possible, “Tomorrow or the day after would be the best.” My parents collapsed with the news and I, who was always so strong, answered: I am going to go through whatever it takes to get out of this. And that’s how it was,” he said about his experience.
She is one of the patients who was able to overcome melanoma thanks to early detection. It is important to note that the place where he discovered it is not the only one where the skin is exposed to the gaze of another person. Those who are also in permanent contact with the skin are tattoo artists. That is why it is important that they are informed about these issues.
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The campaign is part of “Living with cancer”, an initiative that promotes prevention and timely diagnosis
According to a report by the German research agency, Dalia Research, Argentina is the fourth country in the world with the largest tattooed population, on par with Australia, only surpassed by Italy, Sweden and the United States. The survey also reveals that in the country, 45% of women and 41% of men have at least one tattoo.
The #MelaNOmás campaign proposes a direct message that calls for actionwith the aim of raising awareness in society about the importance of taking care of the skin and Check moles annually to promote prevention and early detection of this type of cancer. In that sense, and under the motto “An attentive look has the power to change everything”, called on tattoo artists to join the initiativeproviding them with tools to learn to observe moles, in order to identify common signs of melanoma and, at the same time, promote annual visits to the dermatologist.
Changes that occur in a mole are warning signs that it may be developing into melanoma or another type of skin cancer. It is important that all moles are completely visible, or you may run the risk of delaying detection. Therefore, it is key to provide information to tattoo artists so that they Do not tattoo too close to or on a mole. It is also not advisable to tattoo over a scar.
This process led Agustina to a profound personal transformation: “I became aware of what really matters in life and that inspired me to live a more authentic life. I always give thanks for everything she taught me and for becoming a person who enjoys of the present,” he said. While undergoing the last treatment, she began a degree in Social Psychology because she wanted to help other people who were going through the same thing and tell them her story so that they understand that cancer is not synonymous with death and that it can be experienced with dignity.
As a fundamental tool, Tools such as the ABCDE rule were shared with tattoo artists, which serves to distinguish a normal mole from a melanoma. It means:
- Asymmetry: one half of the mole or birthmark does not correspond to the other half.
- Edge: The edges are irregular, uneven, jagged, or poorly defined.
- Color: The color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, blue or white.
- Diameter: The mole measures more than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch or about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
- Evolution: The size, shape or color of the mole is changing.
“Tattoo artists have the opportunity to be in direct contact with the skin. Their work allows them to review large and small areas where it is difficult for people to self-examine, so they are allies in the early detection of melanoma, and could encourage or advise your clients to visit a dermatologist doctor in case you notice any anomaly. Although they are not doctors and do not have the ability to diagnose or treat cancer, there will be one more pair of eyes that help us check the skin,” said Dr. Yanina Pflüger (MN 120.531), Chief Medical Oncologist of the Melanoma service. and Sarcoma from the Alexander Fleming Institute and member of the AAOC.
It is advisable to visit a dermatologist before getting a tattoo.#MelaNOmás emphasizes raising awareness about the preventive measures Suggested things to keep in mind when getting a tattoo:
- Use recognized studios with professional tattoo artists who use safe products and inks.
- Check spots, moles or scars when choosing the area to tattoo. It is advisable to schedule a visit to the dermatologist before getting a tattoo, to do a mole check.
- Avoid getting a tattoo near or above a mole, spot or scar, because the ink can hide any changes in its shape, symmetry, color, size and texture. This can delay the detection of melanoma.
- If you already have a tattoo on these areas, it is important to monitor them regularly and, if any abnormality occurs, visit a dermatologist.
“Melanoma taught me that the body is a treasure that we tend to underestimate. I learned that we cannot take our health for granted and that it is necessary to be attentive to any changes. In addition, I understood that prevention and early detection are key; protecting ourselves from the sun , carrying out regular medical check-ups, learning the ABCDE rule to self-evaluate moles and leading a healthy life is the best way to take care of ourselves,” said Agustina.
Besides, the campaign provides tools and information for those who have tattoos or are thinking about getting themthrough its website: www.vivirconcancer.net/melanomas.
Agustina has at least ten tattoos. Some have been there since they were 18 or 20 years old, although the most significant were done while I had melanoma, between 22 and 30, but he clarifies: “I always consulted with my doctor. I wanted to make sure that the ink was not going to hurt my skin and that there were no additional risks to my health. The doctor recommended that they not be dark colors so that I could continue checking the moles, not cover them, and that I avoid tattooing over the scars because it is necessary to control them,” he explained. “I really like art and for me tattoos are like a painting that I can wear on my body. After my experience with cancer, they acquired a deeper meaning. Each one is a mark on my path to recovery, a reminder of my ability to overcome challenges with courage and confidence. They are a way of telling my story and expressing my identity,” he added.
As advice for those who are about to get a tattoo, Agustina recommended looking for a professional tattoo artist who complies with all hygiene care and uses quality materials. He also stressed that you should avoid tattooing over moles and scars, because looking directly is the only way to control and if they are covered it will be difficult to detect any sign of change. He explained that they should also not get black or dark tattoos, which cover a large part of the skin. “I recommend that you clear all doubts before doing so and that you maintain open communication with your tattoo artist about health and the considerations to take into account. Always consult with your dermatologist“he indicated.
To provide a space of containment for patients, family and friends, Agustina created, together with her doctor, Melanoma Argentina. This initiative was born with the objective of reducing mortality through prevention and early detection.
#MelaNOmás is part of “Living with Cancer”, the initiative of Bristol Myers Squibb together with the AAOC, that promotes prevention and timely diagnosis, with a focus on supporting patients and their environment.
