In a bid to prevent skin cancer the June E. Nylon Cancer Center has received a grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the amount of $1,590 to fund treatments for sun damage among for students in the Sioux City Community Schools and also provide sunscreens to them.
The center staff and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members works with students in the occupational health department of the Sioux City Public School system to educate them of the health risks of too much sun and tanning bed exposure. The Cancer Center was recently honoured by HOSA for working closely with the students on this project.
Mary Dermit, instructor of the health occupational students said, “Each year we always have a tremendous response from the teachers and feel that this year will be no different… Each year it seems as though the numbers of students participating is on the rise. This is good news because the numbers of skin cancers and especially melanoma seem to be on the rise as well.”
Mary Jane Fitch, coordinator of the Cancer Center’s resource room said, “We are grateful for the ongoing support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland and the HOSA students for making this program happen…As a result of our education and prevention efforts, several individuals have become aware of a suspicious looking area of skin and have visited their health care provider for follow up. Early detection is the key!”
The presentation to the students includes a video and the screening of the face for sun damage and the brochures explaining the function of the Dermascan screening equipment. The video captures the story of a melanoma survivor Sara.