 Melanoma Program
Prevention & detection |
Diagnostics & staging |
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Melanoma home
Our skin is the largest organ of our body with a tremendous capacity to heal
and regenerate. From familial predisposition to the dangers of sun exposure,
skin cancer is a growing health concern.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. While not the most
common form of cancer, it causes the most deaths. An estimated 10,850 people
will die of skin cancer this year and 80 percent of those will be from
melanoma. More prevalent in men than women, it preys on fair skin and those
who burn easily, however, no one is immune. And, despite a better
understanding of the need for sun protection, the changes in our environment
have contributed to a 690 percent increase in melanoma in the last 50 years.
When detected early, before it has spread, melanoma has a 99 percent
five-year survival rate. The key is removal before it has a chance to
spread. Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center was the first hospital in Wisconsin
to offer a Pigmented Lesion clinic to focus on diagnosing melanoma. Through
funding from the Robyn Temkin Melanoma Prevention Program, Aurora Health
Care offers free skin cancer screenings and community education to build
awareness about the dangers of skin cancer.
Vince Lombardi Cancer
Clinic
An advantage of the Aurora melanoma program is that patients have access
to the highest level of cancer care, including the latest technologies and
techniques, but can receive additional treatments such as radiation therapy
and chemotherapy at a Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic closer to home. In fact,
there are thirteen Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinics in eastern Wisconsin,
stretching as far North as Marinette and as far South as Kenosha.
Genetics Counseling Program
Through a variety of screenings, the Cancer Genetics Counseling Program
can help you learn if you or a family member is at high risk of developing
melanoma. By taking into consideration personal and family medical
histories, a physician can identify patients and their families who would
benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor for a hereditary cancer risk
assessment.
Cancer Counseling Center
The professionals at Aurora's Cancer Counseling Center understand that
the medical aspect of cancer is only part of the impact. While medical
expertise is essential, our counselors realize that professional support to
help you cope with the emotional aspect is invaluable as well.
Learn more about melanoma or request a
consultation
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