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France’s dermatology crisis: Patients desperate for appointments
France is facing a shortage of dermatologists as demand for skin checks and treatment grows, making appointments difficult to secure. The pressure matters because delayed assessments can leave serious conditions undetected, including melanoma.
About 200,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed in France each year, while only around 100 dermatologists are trained annually; the government plans to add 27 trainees a year. Half of dermatologists are over 60 and nearing retirement. The report also describes GPs being trained to assess suspicious lesions and other ways to expand access to care.
In short
- Dermatology appointments are increasingly hard to obtain in France.
- Around 200,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year.
- Half of French dermatologists are over 60.
Explained simply
Dermatologists are doctors who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, including skin cancers. In France, demand for their care has grown, while the number of specialists is limited and many are approaching retirement.
The shortage matters because people may wait longer to have a suspicious mark checked. About 200,000 skin cancers are diagnosed in France each year, and delays in assessing a serious condition such as melanoma can affect when treatment begins.
The government plans to train more dermatologists, though specialist training takes time. General practitioners are also being trained to assess suspicious skin marks, as part of efforts to widen access to care.