Skin Cancer

A significant threat to the farm population's well-being is skin cancer and the issue was addressed by the National Farm Medicine Center. Farmers were screened for skin cancer and an estimated 12 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, were detected among 607 people screened. Dr. Erik Stratman, Chair of the Clinic Dermatology Department said he didn't think the farming community always seeks timely health care because there is no day off when caring for crops and animals. Screening can provide the push they might need." National Farm Medicine Center Spokesperson Scott Heiberger: "Of all the cancers farmers are at risk for, skin cancer is the No. 1 cancer that can be diagnosed quickly and cured."

 

Nationwide, an estimated 76,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year and an estimated 9,700 people will die from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.