Photo Credit: Peter M. Budraitis
More than 65 people received free skin cancer screenings at the Glen Cove Senior Center on Friday, May 2. The services were provided through an event hosted by Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) and Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology’s Dr. Eve Lupenko.
Dr. Lupenko identified dozens of precancerous lesions which, if left untreated, can develop into skin cancers which would then have to be cut out. She also identified several cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, and one possible melanoma which can be life-threatening. These patients were referred for follow-up care at a dermatologist of their choice.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. However, when detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
“We saw a record number of patients compared to the past several years, which shows there is a real need for locally available, no-cost health care for those who don’t have rides, don’t have health insurance, or cannot afford to pay copays and deductibles,” Dr. Lupenko said. “I’m grateful to Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton for sponsoring this event, as well as to the Glen Cove Senior Center for hosting it.”
“Like many people who grew up spending too much time in the sun, I have had some issues myself, and they have all been taken care of because I found them early,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I was thrilled that so many people took advantage of these free skin cancer screenings – and I hope that this will get them into the habit of routine screenings that will protect their health for many years to come. Thank you to Dr. Eve Lupenko for once again partnering with my office to host this event!”
Recent Comments