The Melanoma Research Foundation Introduces "Ask a Nurse" Program

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S., and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, this year more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) recently announced a new resource for those with questions about melanoma. Through the "Ask a Nurse" program, people have free access to an expert for guidance or to ask basic questions about melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

"Although melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and worldwide," said Randy Lomax, chairman of the MRF, "there is still much to be done in terms of public education. The Melanoma Research Foundation is excited to add the 'Ask a Nurse' program to our existing library of resources for melanoma patients and those who care for them. With this service, there is no need for a referral, prescription or appointment; all you need once you go online is an e-mail account."

All questions directed to "Ask a Nurse" - askanurse@melanoma.org - are answered by Suzanne McGettigan, MSN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AOCN, an oncology nurse practitioner instructor at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. In most cases, McGettigan responds to inquires within 72 hours.

"I am thrilled to be able to share my knowledge and experience directly with those who need it most," said McGettigan. "With more than 62,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year alone, more people that ever before are looking for credible information about disease."

McGettigan added that while the program does not replace a patient's healthcare team, the MRF can help people find additional information and personalized answers beyond what can typically be found searching the Internet.

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Researchers Take Hard Line Against UV Exposure

/24-7PressRelease/- Researchers have expressed concern over a new campaign initiated by the tanning industry, which seeks to dispel the link between melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and UV exposure from natural or artificial sources (such as tanning beds). In response, nearly 500 of the foremost experts on melanoma signed a statement affirming the existence of evidence-based data demonstrating the harmful effects of UVA and UVB radiation. The statement, which was initiated at the 5th Melanoma Research Congress in Sapporo, Japan on May 7-12, not only states that UV rays increase one's risk for skin cancer, including melanoma, but also maintains that the use of indoor tanning (outside of medical practice) represents an example of an avoidable cause of lethal cancer.

Studies show that UV light is a carcinogen (i.e. causes cancer). This occurs when skin cells are damaged after UV exposure (either from the sun or a tanning bed). The same DNA damage that triggers tanning also appears capable of causing cancerous mutations in skin cells. If those mutations are not completely repaired—as frequently occurs—skin cancers may result. Additional data demonstrates that indoor tanning devices emit UV radiation that is similar to, and sometimes more powerful than, that emitted by the sun. In fact, a systematic review of worldwide data, published in the March 2007 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, found a prominent, consistent increase - 75 percent - in risk for melanoma in people who begin using tanning beds in their teens or twenties. Additionally, the review also showed that people across all age groups who have ever used tanning beds face a 15 percent higher risk of developing melanoma than those who have not. Even more dramatic increases were seen in certain non-melanoma forms of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, a tumor that only on occasion spreads from the skin and may then be lethal.

Many scientists also point out that vitamin D, although produced in the skin, can easily be obtained by non-UV related means, such as dietary supplements. These dietary supplements would not carry the risk of cancer associated with UV radiation, in cases where increased vitamin D levels are deemed beneficial.

The Melanoma Research Foundation's (MRF) Scientific Advisory Committee stated, "The petition was developed to reinforce that the scientific community continues to stand behind strong data supporting the connection between skin cancer and UV-exposure. As physicians and scientists, we are concerned that this campaign may confuse the public, putting them at an increased risk for a disease that is too often lethal."

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S. and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, one in 50 people have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. Further, approximately 65 percent of all melanomas are attributed to UV exposure resulting from natural and artificial sources.

A wealth of information exists about how to reduce the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, yet both MRF and SMR advise that the most important measure the public can take is to avoid intentional sunbathing and indoor tanning devices. For those who want to learn safe ways to access to vitamin D and look "tan," or for more information about melanoma and UV exposure, please visit http://www.melanoma.org or http://www.societymelanomaresearch.org.

Cancer-Survivor Soldier Joins Unit in Iraq

By Pfc. Monika K. Smith, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2008 - They call him "Tiny," and as with many nicknames, the moniker inaccurately describes Sgt. Jared Squires' stature. At 6 feet, 5 inches tall, the crew chief with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, more than snugly fits into the space allocated for crew chiefs in the Black Hawk helicopters he flies in.

Army Sgt. Jared Squires reviews his pre-flight checklist Jan. 4, 2008. After conquering cancer, Squires joined his unit deployed to Iraq.

Squires, from Los Lunas, N.M., doesn't mind his nickname. He's just happy to be flying again.

In July 2006, Squires learned he had skin cancer. An Army surgeon estimated he had just six years to live.

"When I first found out, I went to the doctor's office and my wife went with me," Squires said. "The doctor came and said, 'I'm sorry to let you know you have malignant melanoma.' I thought, 'I've got two kids. I've got my wife.' ... I wanted to do everything I could right away, because in six years, I might not be there for my boys."

Squires began a series of surgeries and positron emission tomography, or PET, scans, used to detect cancer and the effects of cancer therapy. The cancer spread to the lymph nodes in his left arm. Surgeons removed the lymph nodes, but his body couldn't produce the skin needed to heal his wounds. The fourth surgery was a skin graft to help close the wound, which Squires said was "by far the most painful thing I've ever been through in my life."

Squires said his inability to fly was one of the worst facets of his illness. "I was grounded and couldn't fly after my first surgery," Squires said.

Once Squires completely healed from his surgeries, he began taking interferon to stimulate his body's immune system to fight off cancer. He began 30 days of daily four-hour intravenous treatments.

"The first day of treatment, I could barely walk out on my own strength," Squires said. "I almost had to be carried out."

For 11 months, Squires self-injected interferon three times a week. Though he didn't lose his hair, it did begin to thin out. His days consisted of treatments and sleeping, because his treatments left him exhausted. But he got great support from his unit.

"My company's (family readiness group) stepped up big-time," Squires said. "For two weeks they came to my house and dropped off meals, because my wife was busy taking care of me. It was a lifesaver. It really helped."

Army Sgt. Thomas Lacroix was one of those who stepped up to help the Squires family. A member of Company A, 2-3rd Aviation Regiment, Lacroix has known Squires for seven years. The two met in advanced individual training, served a tour in Korea and then again with the combat aviation brigade.

"(I) felt pretty bad for him," Lacroix said. "I knew his family, his wife, two kids. I tried to do everything I could to help his family out; there wasn't much anyone could really do for him."

As the brigade prepared to deploy to Iraq, Squires was sent to the rear detachment because his illness made him ineligible to deploy. He worked with incoming soldiers who were deploying while continuing with his treatments. He finished his treatments at the end of October and was cleared to fly. But he wasn't content with that. He wanted to deploy.

"I had the opportunity to stay in rear detachment, and I chose not to," Squires said. "I told them 'No, I want to go.' It took a lot of me, from my side, to get them to say, 'Hey, yeah, you're good to go.' They tried to med-board me, and I had to get my oncologist to say, 'He's fine.' They thought I was crazy. My wife knew I wanted to go and that I missed the guys. I missed my friends. We've been together so long, they're my family."

After Squires obtained all the letters he needed from dermatologists and from his oncologist stating he was rid of cancer and capable of deploying, he was on the first plane to Iraq.

"I know it was a big morale boost to have him come out and join the team again," Lacroix said. "It was pretty rough deploying without him. There was a big void in the company."

For the rest of his life, Squires must have routine PET scans and visit a dermatologist every six to nine months, and he must take active measures to prevent cancer from reoccurring.

"I have a 75 percent chance of it coming back," Squires said. "But skin cancer is preventable. It's not like breast cancer. It's not passed down for generations. There's a chance it will come back, but if I take the preventive steps, it shouldn't be a problem."

Lacroix said the company is glad to have Squires back and that his returning was expected.

"That's what he wanted, and he showed he could do it," Lacroix said. "He got better and beat it. He's a true leader. He had the option of staying home and dodging a deployment, but he chose to come out here. The younger guys look up to that."

(Army Pfc. Monika K. Smith serves with 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.)