Shining a Light on Skin Cancer at NMCP

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Service members have a lot of risk factors for skin cancer, and that's one of the reasons the Dermatology Clinic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth held a Skin Cancer Rodeo, May 6-9, to lower the incidence of skin cancer among its beneficiaries.

The Skin Cancer Rodeo coincided with National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and made it easy for patients to schedule appointments with the clinic directly without needing a referral from their Primary Care Manager.

190 patients received screenings, and 88 biopsies were conducted.

"We're here trying to raise awareness," said Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Walters, an attending dermatologist for the Dermatology Clinic at NMCP. "The best chance of treating your skin cancer is finding it early. Navy, Marines and Army members have an increased risk of skin cancer. We have a population of patients who are out in the sun a lot. People are doing a lot of recreational events, tanning and spending time on ships. Skin cancer is on the rise, and if we can catch it early we can do much more for you than if we catch it too late."

The American Academy of Dermatology says two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. The rodeo's aim was to reduce that number.

Patients were screened, and if suspicious growths were noticed, biopsies were conducted and sent to the lab for analysis. The swiftness of the biopsies ensured that any malignant growths were identified early for quick treatment. Whether the results are benign or malignant, each patient will know the results in about two weeks.

People came to the event for many reasons. Some were concerned about spots on their skin, while others wanted the peace of mind the exam would offer them.

"I just wanted to make sure everything was ok," said Margaret Zurschmit, an active duty dependent. "I was able to call the clinic directly and make an appointment, and they got me in right away. I had some spots I was concerned with, but I also just thought it would be good to get a full skin-cancer screening. I think this whole thing is great! I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and have already told one of my co-workers that she should call and get in here as well. I am very pleased with how my day went. I didn't have to wait long, they were able to treat the one spot on my face so I didn't have to worry about coming back a second time. So, I'm just very pleased with today."

Dermatology providers and volunteers from other NMCP clinics geared up for the Rodeo with excitement. The week allowed the staff members to see many patients back to back, while educating them about skin cancer and the importance of skin cancer preventative measures. Kevin Charles, physician assistant at the Dermatology Clinic, talked with each patient about different types of skin cancer and how to recognize the symptoms.

Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Glass, staff dermatologist at the Dermatology Clinic, noted the influence that education can have on skin cancer rates.

"Skin cancer is on the rise," Glass said. "It's important to educate people on how to take care of their skin. As much as our job is to treat skin cancer, our other job is principally to prevent skin cancer. If you can educate one person to use sunscreen, and use it regularly, and take precautions against skin cancer, we're not going to have to cut on them when they're 50, or they are not going to have to undergo chemotherapy or other treatments. Skin cancer has an impact on peoples' lives, and while it may not be an immediate, in-your-face impact like some other diseases, it will impact your life."

"It's important that Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen understand that we have a lot of risk for sun exposure," Glass continued. "Chronic sunburns and sun exposure add up over time, and I don't think that skin is something we should neglect. We should try to focus on preventing the skin cancer. It will have an effect on life expectancy and quality of life."

The American Academy of Dermatology says that more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in more than two million people each year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and by 2015, one in 50 will develop a melanoma in their lifetime. Melanomas are the deadliest form of skin cancer, but when caught early the cure rate is almost 100 percent.

With the sun shining more and more as summer approaches, NMCP Dermatology urges everyone to protect themselves from the sun: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats, when possible.

"Even if you don't come to dermatology, everyone should be doing their own skin cancer screening checks on themselves once a month or every other month," Walters explained. "Look at the moles you have or the spots you have on your skin to make sure nothing is changing. Look for the 'A, B, C, D and E's' - Asymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color, Diameter, Evolving - of melanoma, and if something is not healing for months, that can be other forms of skin cancer as well.

"We have seen a lot of melanomas rising in younger age groups. We've had people from ships and in their 20s getting melanomas, and that is the one that can kill you. So, we're definitely trying to make people aware of the risks. With the summer coming up, wear your sun block, the higher the SPF, the better. Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection and re-apply every two hours," said Walters.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.