A new center dedicated to early detection and treatment of skin cancer opened at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving, just in time to help the community enjoy sun-safe summer days.
The Skin Cancer Center at Baylor Scott & White – Irving combines the expertise of dermatologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, plastic surgeons and others to provide personalized plans of care for patients with a variety of skin cancers at every stage.
"In close collaboration with primary care physicians, our multi-disciplinary team of experts engages in monthly cancer conferences to discuss, evaluate and recommend the best course of treatment for every patient," said Edward Clifford, MD, surgeon on the medical staff and medical director of the new center. "Irving and the surrounding communities will benefit from having advanced skin cancer care close to home."
Treatment plans for patients with skin cancer can include screening, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, specialized surgeries, plastic surgery and clinical trials for those who qualify.
"One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime," Dr. Clifford said. "Early detection is so important for these patients because it greatly impacts their treatment plan, and in some cases may save lives."
With summer just around the corner, Dr. Clifford offers advice for staying safe from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays:
- Make a daily habit of applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Apply a full ounce to the body, including a nickel-sized amount to the face, 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours while outside and immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Ninety percent of skin cancers are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which most often appear on the head and neck.
- Limit your time in the direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Perform skin self-exams to check for signs of skin cancer. Examine the body front and back in mirror, then right and left sides, arms raised. Bend elbows, look carefully at forearms, back of upper arms and palms. Look at backs of legs and feet, spaces between toes and soles. Examine back of neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair and lift. Take note of the spots on your body, and if you notice a change in size or color, have a dermatologist check it out.
- Never, ever use tanning beds. They can cause serious skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
For more information on cancer care at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving, visit www.BaylorHealth.com/Irving.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com