Under the leadership of Dr. Naira Chobanyan, oncologist and professor of clinical medicine at AUC, the Oncology Interest Group (OIG) organized a skin cancer awareness event on July 27 to inform students from Semesters 1-5 about ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure and sunbeds. Third semester student Meison Mandavi presented on the different types of UV rays, most common types of skin malignancies, signs of skin cancer and prevention. Dr. Chobanyan demonstrated images of uncommon presentations of skin cancers, such as pigmented and morpheaform basal cell carcinomas. She also educated participants on differential diagnosis of melanoma, the most aggressive skin malignancy, from other skin lesions.
At the end of this enlightening and educational event, students had the opportunity to turn what they learned into playing trivia for some prizes. OIG also gave away free sunscreen with SPF 50 and lip balm to participants. “I’m glad I was able to inform others of the harmful effects of UV radiation,” Meison summarized after the session.