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Skin Cancer Awareness, Protection, and Early Detection

Scholarship Winners for 2007

Doctors on Donkeys Re-match

Basal cell skin cancers almost never spread beyond the site where they originate, but can become large and difficult to remove if not treated in their early stages. Often they can be treated right at the office and cured.

Squamous cell carcinoma, is usually found early and can be locally excised, but has the potential to spread to regional lymph nodes if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Again these are often cured with the initial excisional biopsy procedure when the diagnosis is made.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, however if detected early it is nearly 100% curable. If it is not diagnosed before it spreads to the deeper skin levels, then the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body where it can be hard to treat and fatal. Melonoma usually requires a wider excision by a surgeon or dermatologist after the initial biopsy at the office for diagnosis.

You Can Prevent Skin Cancer
More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are cased by sun exposure.

1. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day not just during the summer months. There are list of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation at: http://www.skincancer.org/component/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,14/

2. Choose a sunscreen product that suits your skin and your activity—some are labeled as water resistant, sweat proof, or especially for sports.

3. Reapply sunscreen every few hours.

4. Avoid burning by seeking shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.

5. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. If you are seeking color there are alternatives to sunlight—such as bronzing creams.

6. Cover up by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants. In the summer time cotton will keep you cool. Wear hats to shade your face. UV-blocking sunglasses will protect your eyes.

7. Examine your skin periodically from head to toe and if you see any questionable moles, burns, or red splotches ask your physician for a skin exam.

Are you at Risk?
Everyone is at risk of skin cancer, but there is an increased risk if you have excessive sun exposure, a large number of moles on the skin, an at risk skin type or a family history of skin cancer.

Sun Exposure
Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous to the skin and induce skin cancer. A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had more than five sun burns (Skin Cancer Foundation).

Moles
There are two main types of moles: normal moles or beauty marks that appear in the first few decades of your life, and abnormal moles or dysphasic nevi. Regardless of the type, the more moles you have the greater the risk of melanoma. Concerning signs to look for in a mole are a size greater than 0.5 cm (about the size of a pencil eraser or larger), uneven or irregular borders, uneven coloration, or reddish, bluish or black coloration.

Skin Type
If you are fair skinned, your risk of skin cancer is increased greatly.

Family History
About one in ten patients who are diagnosed with skin cancer have had a family member with a history of melanoma.

If you are in one of these risk groups, you can protect yourself and your children by practicing safe sun habits, examining yourself and watching for warning signs.
For more information go to http://www.skincancer.org/self_exam/look_for.php

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This year Sound Family Medicine had the pleasure of attending the scholarship awards ceremonies at Rogers, Emerald Ridge, and Bethel High Schools celebrating Dean Spencer, Emily Butler and Heather Lawrence. These ceremonies gave us the opportunity to see many special young adults, ready to go forth on their own as college freshmen this fall. Each scholarship recipient is an excellent student who is extremely involved in our community.

Emily Butler is attending University of Portland next year as a pre-medicine major and hopes to minor in Spanish. In high school she was on the Emerald Ridge Cross Country team, part of the Honors Society, and a Jag crew leadership student. Outside of school Emily participated in her church's annual Vacation Bible School program as a youth group leader. Her most recent endeavor was working on a mission in Bellingham where she was able to practice her Spanish and give migrants food and clothing.

Dean Spencer is attending the University of Washington next year as biochemistry major with the intention to go into medicine. In high school he was the Rogers varsity team captain of both football, and track and field. He was also in the Key Club and Honors Society. Outside of school Dean was an Eagle Scout, and was patrol leader for Boy Scouts of America in the 9th and 10th grade. Senior year he was a co-president of Rambassadors.

Heather Lawrence is going to Azusa Pacific University where she plans to major in Journalism and has received a scholarship from the school to be a part of the Choir. Heather has been a part of the Bethel cheerleading squad since the 9th grade and was varsity captain her senior year. She has a passion for journalism and was on the school's paper, Brave Talk where she became editor her senior year. She was an active member of Natural Helper, a school-wide community service club. Over the past two years Heather worked about 300 hours of community service, from being a Sunday school teacher to working around her high school, to being a worship team member.

We are extremely excited to be able to celebrate three young adults' successes and grant them a scholarship to continue their passion of academia and community service. Congratulations to each of our recipients, and best of luck in the future.

If you or your child would like to apply for next year's scholarship, please visit our website at www.soundfamilymedicine or see your high school counselor.

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The game will be held on July 28th at Lidford Field on 44th Ave East in Tacoma. Take Canyon Road East and turn left onto 72nd Street East, then turn right onto 44th Avenue East. The field is just a short way down the road on your left. Tickets can be purchased at any Sound Family Medicine or Apple Physical Therapy office for $5 per person or $20 a family. Come out and see your doctors make a "donkey" out of themselves.

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