Melanoma is one of the only forms of cancer that is still on the rise and is the most common form of cancer in young adults. The incidence of melanoma in women under age 30 has increased more than 50 percent since 1980.
“When melanoma is diagnosed early, the prognosis is good. However, once it spreads, it is very difficult to treat,” noted David Ollila, MD, co-director of UNC’s multidisciplinary melanoma program and a surgical oncologist.
That’s why UNC Cancer Care and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are sponsoring a program that reaches out to hair stylists and barbers to provide them with the information they need to help detect clients’ skin cancers on their scalp or neck and to counsel them about cancer prevention.
“I have personally cared for several patients with melanoma and other skin malignancies whose cancer on was first noted by their hair stylist or barber,” Ollila says. “Stylists have a unique role and point of view from behind the chair and, armed with information, they can save lives.”
The free program will be held at the N.C. Cancer Hospital’s Conference Room #1, on the ground floor, on Monday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The program includes information on melanoma and other skin cancers and demonstrations of how to recognize them, tips on prevention and advice on how to care for clients who might be undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
To register, please call (919) 843-0680 or e-mail Beth Fogel, RN at EFogel@unch.unc.edu. Lunch will be provided to program participants.
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