Download Screening event: Skin Cancer According to the American Cancer

Screening event: Skin Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that skin cancer is the most common cancer
diagnosed in the United States. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers account for the majority of the
newly diagnosed cases. Many, but not all of these forms of skin cancer are highly curable when detected
early, and treated properly. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is responsible for
the highest percentage of skin cancer deaths, though overall it is less than 5% of all skin cancers. 1
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to recognize changes in an existing mole, or the appearance
of new growths. Adults should examine their skin regularly, preferably, once a month and contact their
health care provider of any changes.
In 2010-2011, there were over 360 cases of melanoma diagnosed or treated at TriHealth. This
represents, approximately, 7% of our total patients who were newly diagnosed or had their first
treatment at TriHealth. We had 175 cases that had the earliest stage, melanoma in-situ, which is 49%
for all melanoma cases. The remaining 185 cases (51%) had infiltrating melanomas. The population by
sex showed: 200 males diagnosed with any type of melanoma (55%) and 160 women (45%)
Melanoma incidence rates have been increasing for the last 30 years. 2 The TriHealth Cancer Institute
and the Good Samaritan Skin Cancer Center make early detection a priority. We partnered with
Melanoma Know More on Saturday February 4th for a skin cancer screening event at Bethesda North
Hospital. The screening was open to the community and 49 participants braved the snow for their free
skin exam. Volunteers from each organization included dermatologists, nurses, medical students, and
the community.
The final results of the skin cancer screening were:
1 possible melanoma (rapid referral to a dermatologist and biopsy confirmed negative)
11 dysplastic nevi/moles
23 other nevi/moles
5 basal/squamous cell carcinomas
The next screening will be held on Saturday November 10, at 10am-noon at the new Good Samaritan
Hospital Medical Office Building on Dixmyth Avenue. Appointments will be available in early November,
schedule your appt by calling the Good Samaritan Skin Cancer Center at (513)862-4242.
1. American Cancer Society, Facts & Figures, 2011
2. American Cancer Society, Facts & Figures, 2011