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Skin Cancer Screenings Save Lives
When this nurse found out she had skin cancer, her days of carefree fun in the sun were over.
Eileen Dalton, a nurse at Ocean Medical Center, was assisting the hospital staff with a public skin cancer screening when one of the doctors there noticed a discoloration on her neck and asked to take a better look. He then warned her that it could be skin cancer and advised her to see her dermatologist as soon as possible.
Learning the Hard Way
"I have a family history of skin cancer, so I followed the doctor's recommendation and went to my dermatologist," Eileen relates. "It turned out that the discoloration were basal cells, a type of non-melanoma cancer. Thank goodness it was detected so early, because over time, basal cells only get worse. I am so thankful the doctor noticed the spot on my neck before that could happen."
Being of Irish heritage, Eileen's skin is very sensitive to the sun. She remembers burning severely as a child due to lack of sunscreen. "Now," she asserts, "I am very careful about protecting my skin and carry sunscreen with me in my purse all of the time."
Precautions to Take
"Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, accounting for over 50 percent of cancers seen in the population," explains Bruce Warshauer, M.D., Eileen's dermatologist, affiliated with Ocean Medical Center. "The two types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma, which are both determined by a biopsy, are often treated with surgical removal, immune-enhancing creams, and, less frequently, radiation therapy."
But an ounce of prevention goes a long way when it comes to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer can often be prevented by limiting exposure to direct sunlight, by wearing protective attire, and by using sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever outside, making sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Clearly, tanning beds and sunlamps should also be avoided.
Dr.Warshauer stresses the importance of skin cancer screenings. "People should have regular skin cancer checkups. The earlier the cancer is caught, the better the outcome is." Eileen couldn't agree more.
It Runs in the Family
Just in Eileen's immediate family, her mother, sisters, and brother have had basal cells as well. Her mother, in fact, had very serious skin cancer that led to extensive surgery. The example of Eileen's family bears witness to the fact that 10 percent of skin cancer patients have a family history of the disease. Those who are not careful in the sun and have a family history are at an eight times greater risk of developing skin cancer.
That being said, Eileen has become a fierce proponent of taking a proactive stance against this health threat: "I cannot preach the importance of skin cancer screenings enough; they save lives — mine included. As a health care professional and as a person who has had basal cells many times, I know that screenings are so important. Early detection is imperative when it comes to skin cancer."
 – Laura Buffum
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