Evreux, a city in Eure, has introduced a high-definition dermatological scanner since last October to detect skin cancers. It is the second city in France after Marseille to have this technology. This innovation is particularly important in one of the French departments with a shortage of dermatologists, and in a region heavily affected by melanoma.
The machine, named “Vectra 360”, is 3 meters tall and 5 meters wide. It can photograph a patient’s body in a single shot using its 92 high-definition lenses and detect any suspicious skin lesions. This technical innovation can save lives, especially during the skin cancer screening week, which takes place this year from June 10 to 16.
France-Dermatologie, a company based in Evreux, is behind the development of this innovative technology. Only two cities in France have these high-performance scanners: Marseille in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, and Evreux in Eure since last October.
The scanner produces a map of visible skin lesions and moles that the practitioner can examine with the help of artificial intelligence. The AI can differentiate between a lesion and other skin wounds, guiding the practitioner on important points to check.
The France-Dermatologie center in Evreux works with two dermatologists who can connect to the assistant’s computer and examine the body map in detail. The specialists are not on-site but will provide feedback to the patient promptly.
Patients appreciate the speed of the examination provided by this advanced machine. They can see all irregularities on their skin displayed on the screen, which is both reassuring and concerning. Early detection of skin cancers like melanoma is crucial, especially in regions with a shortage of dermatologists.
In Normandy, there is a high mortality rate from melanoma compared to the national average. The scarcity of dermatologists in Eure makes early detection even more challenging. The National Syndicate of Dermatologists and Venereologists has been organizing a week of information and skin cancer screening for 27 years to raise awareness about skin health.
Dermatologists advise people to avoid sun exposure between 12 pm and 4 pm, apply high-protection sunscreen every two hours, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats, especially for children. Regular self-examination of moles and skin lesions is also recommended to monitor any changes.
With the rising incidence of skin cancers in France, it is essential to prioritize skin health and seek regular screenings. The advanced technology available in Evreux is a step towards improving early detection and saving lives.