The Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG) is set to conduct free dermoscopic examinations of moles as part of its initiative for the early detection of melanoma, with no prior referral or appointment required, as reported by the health institution.

According to the announcement, these complimentary examinations will take place today, tomorrow, on May 15th and 16th, from 14:00 to 13:00, with Euromelanoma Day being observed on Monday from 15:00 to 18:00.

The KCCG has made it clear that citizens from 12 municipalities across Montenegro—Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Herceg Novi, Bar, Ulcinj, Budva, Kotor, Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Cetinje—will have access to these free dermatological assessments.

These examinations are vital for the timely identification of suspicious skin changes, which is critical for the successful treatment of melanoma, according to the KCCG.

The statement highlights that doctors and nurses from the Clinic for Dermatovenerology traditionally take part in the global effort for early melanoma detection, particularly focusing on melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, along with other non-melanoma skin tumors.

Dr. Đorđe Krnjević, Medical Director of the KCCG, underscored the significance of these actions, noting that the health institution fully supports initiatives aimed at improving public health.

Clinic Director Mirjana Bakić reiterated that the primary objective is to raise awareness among citizens regarding the importance of annual dermatological check-ups and regular skin self-examinations.

“This year, we have expanded the initiative to include preventive check-ups for KCCG employees,” Bakić stated.

She emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, comprising an organized team that includes plastic and reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, and radiotherapists, covering “everything from prevention to therapy.”

Dermatovenerologist and oncology expert, Ana Popović, reminded that although melanoma is the least common, it is also the deadliest type of skin cancer, known for its fast growth rate globally.

“In Montenegro, we witness an increasing number of patients annually,” Popović warned, pointing out that only 20 percent of melanoma cases are diagnosed early, despite early detection allowing for cure rates exceeding 90 percent.

As the National Coordinator for the Euromelanoma Campaign, Popović stressed the necessity of educating the public, particularly parents and children, about UV protection for their skin.

“Children under three years should avoid direct sunlight, while older children should be shielded from 10 AM to 4 PM using high SPF creams and suitable clothing,” Popović stated.

The KCCG has announced that the campaign will comprise an educational video and complimentary dermatological examinations, particularly targeting at-risk groups.

The initiative is implemented by the Association of Dermatological Oncology of Montenegro, in collaboration with Euromelanoma Europe and EADO, with backing from the Ministry of Health, KCCG, University of Montenegro, Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Health Insurance Fund.

“As part of the campaign, citizens can receive free dermatological examinations in 12 Montenegrin municipalities—Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Herceg Novi, Bar, Ulcinj, Budva, Kotor, Berane, Bijelo Polje, and Cetinje,” the announcement states.

Specialist in general, plastic and reconstructive surgery, Zoran Terzić, mentioned that early detection of melanoma enables complete cure through surgical removal.

“A sentinel lymph node biopsy is required for melanomas larger than 0.8 millimeters. Surgical intervention is crucial if the disease has spread,” Terzić explained.

As announced by the KCCG, significant strides have been made in Montenegro in providing access to modern melanoma therapies—such as BRAF testing and medications like vemurafenib, pembrolizumab, and the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib—thanks to the dedication of professionals and institutional support.

“These treatments lead to improved outcomes for patients at the early but high-risk stages of the disease,” the statement continued.

Dr. Nada Cicmil Sarić remarked that in Montenegro, all melanoma patients now have access to modern therapies similar to those available in advanced European countries.

“To date, approximately 100 patients have received treatment with pembrolizumab, and ten have achieved a complete response,” said Cicmil Sarić.

She added that early adjuvant therapy will soon be accessible for patients with stage 2B and 2C melanoma, enhancing outcomes in the early stages of the disease.

“Plans are underway to introduce drugs for treating ocular melanoma, which should be available within a year,” said Cicmil Sarić, noting that these medications represent a vital and often the only hope for patients facing this type of cancer.

She pointed out that advanced radiation techniques like radiosurgery offer precise targeting of brain metastases, preserving cognitive functions in patients.

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