Number of patients presenting with skin cancer symptoms is double what was expected at new Affidea service in Tallaght

• Fast access to Skin Cancer Treatment and Reconstructive Surgery now available to Irish Life Health patients at Affidea ExpressCare Clinic in Tallaght

The number of people presenting with skin cancer symptoms in recent weeks is double what was expected at a new treatment facility at the Affidea ExpressCare Clinic in Tallaght, Dublin.

Since March, all skin cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery had been delayed due to Covid-19, resulting in a significant backlog of patients. The new skin cancer treatment service at Affidea ExpressCare Clinic in Tallaght was established in recent weeks for Irish Life Health patients to ensure they have continued access to necessary treatments during the ongoing crisis.

The Affidea ExpressCare Clinic in Tallaght is now a fully-approved treatment centre for patients who have had certain procedures cancelled or delayed due to Covid-19. Procedures are performed safely under local anaesthetic at the Affidea minor procedure clinical facility and can cater for the majority of patients with skin cancer. 

Since opening, the facility has reported that the number of patients booking appointments is nearly twice the amount they were expecting.

Mr. Fuan Chan, MD FRCSI (PLAST), a fully accredited consultant plastic surgeon, is the clinical advisor for plastic surgery and dermatological service at Affidea. He says while he’s pleased that people are making appointments now, it’s concerning that the patients had to deal with delayed treatment due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“In recent weeks, we have noticed a spike in the number of people presenting with skin cancer symptoms with those aged forty-one and above who have a family history of skin cancer or sun exposure with frequent sun burn at higher risk. If you are dealing with a recent diagnosis, prompt treatment is essential. We understand it’s an anxious time for patients who are coming in for their surgery without their families support due to visiting restrictions in place. We are taking every precaution to reduce the spread of infection while ensuring each patient receives the safest care possible.”

Affidea Ireland, which was established here in 2007, is part of the European Group, Affidea, which has 280 advanced diagnostic imaging, outpatient and cancer care centres across 16 countries. Focused on providing high quality affordable care, the company sees over 7 million patients per year, performs over 14 million examinations annually and works with over 9,400 professionals, of which 3,000 are medical doctors.

For more details, check out www.affidea.ie or

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