Sondra Zaļupe: Every mole change and delayed doctor visit can cost dearly
Melanoma patient Sondra Zaļupe urges not to ignore skin changes and to visit a dermatologist regularly, emphasizing that early diagnosis can save lives.
Sondra Zaļupe, representative of the patient support society “Soli priekšā melanomai”, shares her experience battling melanoma, which was diagnosed during her pregnancy. Initially, she attributed skin changes to pregnancy, but later a doctor's visit revealed melanoma. She stresses that pregnancy is not a barrier to treatment – moles can be removed without affecting the fetus.
After diagnosis, Zaļupe reassessed her life, highlighting that treatment should include not only medication but also emotional and psychological health. She had to raise funds for expensive drugs costing €30,000 per month. Through two concerts, she collected donations and drew public attention to melanoma treatment issues in Latvia.
Zaļupe notes that while innovative drugs are now available for some patients, thousands still wait in line, and many die because necessary medications are not accessible. She criticizes a system that only reacts when a public figure falls ill, rather than focusing on prevention.
Addressing the “healthy tan” myth, Zaļupe warns that every sunburn leaves a mark on the skin and increases cancer risk. She advises young people to be responsible about sun exposure and to see a dermatologist regularly. “Everyone should visit a dermatologist at least once in their life,” she says.
