Health Science capstone group focuses on skin cancer prevention

 

A health science capstone group recently presented on their research pertaining to skin cancer and the preventative aspects students should know. The presentation was followed by free skin cancer screenings done by residents at Cleaver Dermatology.

April 3, an email was sent to students inviting them to attend the seminar, then the skin cancer screenings if the student had any skin cancer-related concerns. The group consisted of members: Jake Closser, Declan Coady and Zach Miesner.

The event that happened April 10 started with a presentation including sun protection factor explanations, what skin spots should be closely monitored and the main types of skin cancer. Some Cleaver Dermatology physicians sat toward the back of the room to answer questions and add to the conversation. Then those who wished to get the skin cancer screenings moved to the Health Center to meet with the physicians.

Two rooms were reserved for the screenings. Westley Carter, a third-year dermatology resident from Cleaver Dermatology, was one of the physicians who conducted a free screening. According to Carter, about 13 people attended the screening, which he said went well.

“It’s good to get people conscious about their skin. Especially now,” Carter said. He also emphasized the fact that there are no safe tanning beds, since tanning season is just around the corner.

Carter said it’s important to cater to the younger college-age audience since that is the age when people should start taking care of their skin while it’s still healthy.

Jake Closser, a senior health sciences major, was one of three students who organized the screening and presentation. Closser said it was about a one- to two-month period between the planning and the actual presentation day.

Cleaver said the presentation went very well, and he was delighted to see the research and information presented by the group. He was glad to see the group had been well-prepared to present on the broad and specific topics around skin cancer.

The presentation included the main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and atypical moles, with melanoma being the deadliest form.

There was then an extensive portion about sun protection and the risks that come with tanning. One slide was dedicated to the two types of rays emitted by the sun: UVA, which is more associated with tanning and skin aging, and UVB, which is more dangerous and associated with sunburns and skin cancer.

Rolena Stephenson, a health science capstone professor, said she felt a sense of pride in what her students were able to accomplish.

“The whole thing was student-driven, and I was there to provide input when it was needed,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said she wanted to guide her students to think through their topics in a logistical manner in order to gather appropriate data.

According to Stephenson, all Capstone professors want their students to thrive, and now that the groups have this experience gathering data and applying it to help the community, they are set up very well to begin practicing in their field.

Stephenson said, “I am just so proud. Their success feels like my success.”