The reality is stark: in Hungary, nearly 2,500 people receive a melanoma diagnosis every year. Recognized as one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer, it has the potential to spread rapidly if not detected and treated at an early stage.
Despite the risks, the likelihood of a positive outcome increases significantly with regular self-examinations and dermatological check-ups. Healthcare provider Affidea Hungary and family-owned pharmaceutical firm Dr. Kelen have joined forces again this year to raise awareness of the critical importance of melanoma screening.
Statistics from the Hungarian Dermatological Society illustrate the scope of the challenge. By age 50, one in five Hungarians will have experienced some form of skin cancer. Furthermore, 70% of melanomas are malignant from the very beginning, appearing as new, cancerous lesions, while only 30% develop from pre-existing moles.
“At least once a year, everyone is advised to have a thorough skin examination, especially those who have many moles or risk factors for skin cancer, that is, people with fair skin; those with a family history of melanoma; those who spend a lot of time in the sun or are exposed to artificial UV radiation (such as tanning beds); and those with irregularly shaped moles,” explained Dr. Péter Kósa, dermatologist at Affidea Hungary.
“Regular mole screening makes it possible to detect any changes in time, thus increasing the chances of recovery. In our experience, many people only visit a specialist after they notice some change, even though prevention and screening are key,” he added.
The root cause of melanoma development is often linked to overexposure to sunlight and inadequate sun protection measures. Yet, it is a common misconception that sunburn or damage occurs only during vacations or at the height of summer; dermatologists stress that harmful ultraviolet radiation can affect the skin at any time of year, whether the sky is clear or overcast.
Therefore, practicing proper sun protection throughout the year is fundamental to reducing the risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and can cause skin damage that accumulates over time.
“The use of sunscreen is especially important for maintaining healthy skin: it protects against UVA and UVB rays, slows down the aging process of the skin, and reduces the risk of developing melanoma,” emphasizes Dr. Ákos Kelen, product development pharmacist at Dr. Kelen.
However, people often do not apply enough, do not reapply at the necessary intervals, or simply forget to use it in everyday life.
To raise awareness, Affidea Hungary and Dr. Kelen ran a campaign from May 5 through June 30, in which Affidea offered a 25% discount on mole screenings. The first 75 to participate received a complimentary Dr. Kelen sunscreen.
The two firms aim to continue informing the public about how melanoma develops, the differences between new and existing moles, the dangers of excessive sun exposure, and how to conduct effective self-examinations. The Hungarian Dermatological Society’s data and recommendations are also being widely disseminated as part of the initiative.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 11, 2025.
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