NMCP Skin Cancer Screening Rodeo Brings Awareness, Treatment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Dermatology clinic observed Skin Cancer Awareness Month with a weeklong Skin Cancer Screening Rodeo, May 7-11.

The rodeo allowed patients to be seen by providers in the Dermatology clinic for skin cancer screenings without a referral.

Dermatology saw 492 patients during the rodeo week, all who received 15-minute head-to-toe skin cancer screenings. Providers worked to identify any dangerous or possibly dangerous skin cancer legions. If any were identified during the screening they were removed during the appointment. There were 198 lesions identified, removerd and sent to the lab for biopsies. Patients will be called 10-14 days following their lesion removal with biopsy results. If biopsies come back as positive for skin cancer the patient will be automatically enrolled into the Dermatology clinic and scheduled for any procedures they need.

"Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types," said Lt. Esther Colbert, Dermatology clinic manager and rodeo organizer. "With the summer months approaching, May is the perfect time to provide this service along with education on sun protection and skin cancer awareness."

The rodeo is an annual event open to active duty, dependents, retirees, and all government employees.

This year had the most ever slots open for patients, with providers from other clinics around the hospital donating their time to accomodate more patients.

Helen Petro and her husband Joseph, a retired Navy chief warrant officer, both came out to get screened. Helen had been worried about a few spots on her husband's head, but they hadn't had a chance to get to their primary care manager to obtain a referral to dermatology so he could have the lesions checked out. During the screening, Helen got a clean bill of health but, Joseph had two spots where legions needed to be removed and biopsied.

"I'm so glad he's getting this taken care of today," Helen said. "I'm just thrilled we were able to make it out here this year, and that the staff has been so friendly and helpful. We are looking forward to coming back to the screening in future years."

A lot of time and effort from the Dermatology clinic's staff went into ensuring the rodeo was a success. The clinic worked very hard to use all possible avenues to advertising the event to make sure patients were aware of the rodeo. Staff also needed to be on their toes to guarantee good customer service and follow the rigorous schedule of the week.

"I am so proud of the teamwork and exceptional patient care that was delivered by the Dermatology team this week," Colbert said. "This year's Rodeo was completely booked! We have received some very positive feedback from our patients; who appreciated the access, the customer service, and the smooth flow of the clinic."

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States, which is more than all other cancers combined. NMCP put on the rodeo with hopes to help bring awareness to these numbers, and help cut them down. Summer is on its way, so the Dermatology clinic is telling everyone to "Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!" Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses.