Skin cancer screening for Wellfleet seniors
I grew up living on the beaches of the Lower Cape in the summertime and spent endless hours basking in the sun without the knowledge of potential health risks, including skin cancer. I was focused on my tan and enjoying the company of my friends. There was no sunscreen or protection in those days other than umbrellas or a hat. Little did we know….
“We have a large older population here on the Cape with lots of sun exposure and time on the beach so there is a fairly high risk for squamous cell, basal cell lesions and melanoma, said Peter E. Bentivegna, MD, FACS a hand and plastic surgeon with Cape Cod Plastic and Hand Surgeons.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) people 65 and older have the most cases of skin cancer in the more than five million people treated every year. The rate of new cases of melanoma rises and peaks at ages 80-84.
Community Skin Cancer Clinic
In an effort to answer seniors’ questions about skin lesions, how to identify possible skin cancers, and treatment options, Dr. Bentivegna has teamed up with the Public Health and Wellness Division of the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod to hold a skin cancer screening clinic at the Wellfleet Adult Community Center on June 23, 2022, from 9 to 11 a.m.
“The adult center put in a request to us and since we don’t have this expertise, we reached out to Dr. Bentivegna,” said Meg Payne, MBA, director of the Public Health and Wellness Division of the VNA of Cape Cod. “He has been very enthusiastic and excited to be able to go out into the community and do screenings.”
The clinic is free and open to Wellfleet residents only, due to the contract with the town of Wellfleet, said Payne. There are still a few spots left for appointments.
At the Wellfleet Screening Clinic, residents can expect to have their concerns addressed about skin changes or lesions and go home with reassurance and information if they need to pursue further diagnosis and treatment.
“There will be two booths,” said Payne. “Gowns will be provided if a person needs to be looked at in a more private setting. If Dr. Bentivegna sees anything of concern, he will complete a form indicating the location of the area and the patient can take the form with them.”
Dr. Bentivegna will answer any questions people may have, and, if he identifies any suspicious lesions, he will mark it on their form. “They can then make an appointment with their primary care physician or their dermatologist. If they want, they can make an appointment with me to be seen and that would be fine, too,” he said.
The clinic is strictly a screening session, and no treatment will be administered.
Dr. Bentivegna stresses the importance of getting checked and following up if an area is questionable.
“We have all been fooled by moles that look just fine and turn out to be something or angry looking moles that are fine, but we are concerned. The area can be biopsied and give a clearer picture of what is going on,” he said.
He assured that the screening clinic will be relaxed and provide a comfortable environment.
“This is a very good thing for the community,” said Dr. Bentivegna. “It’s a matter of having enough time to set aside from my practice to make room for something like this. I’ll take a ride, do the clinic and be back to my office by noon. It is not a big commitment; it is something the community needs, and I meet a lot of fun people.”
Both Dr. Bentivegna and Payne hope they can recruit other physicians to provide more screening clinics in the future.
Wellfleet residents who would like to make an appointment can call the VNA at 508-957-7423.
