May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It should be sunny outside so that we are thinking about sunscreen and hats; but even on a cloudy day, sunscreen is important. Especially for those who have undergone Radiation Therapy. Read on to learn more.

Happy Mother's Day,

~Kathy C

Practice Administrator 

We invite all of you to attend the Relay for Life at Kettering's Delco Park on Saturday, May 14. Our staff will be cheering on the survivors starting at 12 noon. 

If you are interested in walking the Survivor Lap give our office a call and we will get you registered. Or come out anytime from noon on the 14th until 10 am on the 15th to honor cancer survivors and to commemorate those we have lost. Look for our tent from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm on Saturday. Stop by and say Hi!

The luminary ceremony takes place at dusk. It really is an amazing site to see. You can order luminaries online or in our center prior to the event. The minimum donation is $10. All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society.

This event truly is a celebration. There are activities happening the full 22 hours because Cancer Never Sleeps.

Join our team at Relay for Life

From Dr. Ed's Script Pad  

A real game-changer in radiation therapy is "hypo-fractionation". "Hypo" meaning fewer and "fractionation" meaning treatments.

At First Dayton Cancer Care we've used hypofractionation for patients with skin, head & neck, prostate and uterine cancer- with the same clinical results as longer treatment programs.

"Leipzig" radiation has been used in Europe for decades. With Leipzig treatment, a tiny radiation pellet is placed directly on top of the skin cancer - much like the first skin cancer treated by Madame Curie in 1895. But my how the technology has changed!

The radiation treatment is given in about 5-8 minutes. And the radiation is focused directly on the cancer by the Leipzig device while shielding normal healthy tissues.

The skin cancer control rates rival that seen with surgery or other, longer types of radiation treatment. And there is no scarring. For those with vascular disorders this is a safe alternative to surgery.

Importantly, Leipzig treatment is given 3 times per week. Either 6 or 10 treatments are needed, with more treatments for bigger skin cancers.

While skin cancers are treatable, prevention is still the best medicine. So wear your hats and sunscreen.

Skin Care after Radiation Tx 
  

Everyone should protect their skin, but it is especially important to those who have gone through radiation therapy. The treated skin will be sensitive to sun, wind and cold during treatment, but your skin will need extra sun protection for the rest of your life.

Because of better technology, today's radiation therapy causes much less skin damage than it did in the past. Most of the radiation is delivered below the skin; however, many do experience some reaction to the skin at the treatment site. This could range from very little irritation to severe peeling and oozing with considerable discomfort. Diligent care during treatment is important. Our staff will give very specific instructions on how to care for skin during this time.

After radiation therapy the goal is to help repair damaged skin and sooth it. Skin is an important barrier against bacteria. Continue to bathe with a mild soap and lukewarm water being careful not to rub the area but to pat it gently. Moisturizing is important to healing. Moisturizers should help lock moisture in the skin. Look for products with humectants and emollients. Avoid products with alcohol or peroxides. We would be happy to provide suggestions.

Skin Care Tips:

* Two weeks after completion of radiation treatment you can use a Sunscreen. If you experienced a severe skin reaction, check with your doctor as to when to start using sunscreen. Use sunscreen all year round. Not just summertime.

* Use a sunscreen of good quality that is SPF 30 or higher. Buy new each year to ensure effectiveness of ingredients. Avoid spray ons because they often contain alcohol.

* Keep treated area covered with loose, soft, dark colored clothing.

* Wear a wide rimmed hat when outdoors. Especially be mindful of your neck and ears.

* Don't forget to protect our scalp. Use sunscreen after bathing or wear a hat, not a visor.

*  NEVER use a tanning bed or tanning lamp. With approval of your physician, you may be able to use sunless tanning lotions.

This is sound advice for everyone, not just cancer survivors.