The National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC) will offer free skin cancer screenings at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, Aug. 12-14, conducted by physicians from the Marshfield Clinic Dermatology Department. Don't miss this opportunity to protect your health. Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. About 1 out of 5 people will develop some form of skin cancer. Those who work in the sun, such as farmers and farm workers, are more likely to develop skin cancer.
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. Just stop by the National Farm Medicine Center air-conditioned trailer, located within the Marshfield Clinic area at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Fourth Street (Zone 1, Lot 457) for a skin checkup. It is quick and easy. You can expect a 10-15-minute visit, including a review of your medical history and an examination. This is a good time to ask about any spots you are worried about; the dermatologist will educate you about what to look for, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole. If the doctor sees anything suspicious the patient will be encouraged to follow up with his or her personal physician or dermatologist.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, if you have fair skin, or if you have a history of skin cancer in your family, you have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Prevention steps include wearing sun-protective clothing, including a hat; applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher; wearing sunglasses with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection; and limiting the time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. that you are exposed to the sun.
"Although farmers are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, they often do not use adequate sun protection," said Alexandra Carley, M.D., Marshfield Clinic dermatologist. "It's important to do self-checks and be examined by a dermatologist if you notice any worrisome spots."
At Farm Technology Days in 2011, over one-third of the farmers who had a skin cancer screening exam were advised to have additional follow-up because a suspicious spot was found.
Physicians scheduled to work at the screenings include: John Melski, Donald Miech, Clayton Green, Rachel Koziczkowski, Alexandra Carley, Erik Stratman and Thomas McIntee.
8.6.2014