Untimely death timely warning for Montanans

The first woman to lead the Montana Department of Agriculture, Nancy Peterson built a distinguished career over 30 years as a farmer and shared her skills on many public boards, including chairing the Farm Service State Committee for USDA. Dedicated to her job in the state Agriculture Department since her appointment as director in 2005, she continued to work even while struggling against the disease that claimed her life on June 23. Her untimely death at age 52 was caused by recurrence of melanoma, a skin cancer she first fought 20 years ago.

As Montanans share the sorrow of Nancy Peterson's family, we should all take to heart that each of us can reduce our risk of suffering the disease that took the life of this vital public servant. If a recent trend continues, new cases of melanoma will strike nearly 350 Montanans this year. It is the deadliest and rarest of three types of skin cancer. Prevention for all types of skin cancer is avoiding or limiting exposure to sun and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as sun lamps and tanning beds.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that the incidence of melanoma in Montana has been increasing in recent years. That trend has also been seen by cancer treatment specialists in Billings, as reporter Diane Cochran recently told Gazette readers. The Billings Clinic reported treating 180 cases last year, more cases than any other kind of cancer.

"It's increasing over all other cancers, except lung cancer in women," said Dr. Cheryl Cook of Yellowstone Dermatology and Skin Cancer Clinic.

This year nearly 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to American Cancer Society estimates. Melanoma accounts for about 3 percent of cancer diagnoses reported to the state. The incidence in Montana is lower than the national average, but the death rate is slightly higher, suggesting that prompt treatment and better public awareness could improve outcomes here. Although melanoma can be deadly, nearly 78 percent of Montanans diagnosed were surviving five years later.

Each of us can fight skin cancer. Protect your skin - and your children's skin - from sun exposure. Take notice of new moles or changes in existing moles and other changes on your skin. Get an annual "mole check" from a dermatologist or other qualified health-care professional. Don't wait and worry; get suspicious sores or spots checked.

First Lady Laura Bush didn't wait. She had surgery several months ago for skin cancer on her leg. Fortunately, that tumor wasn't melanoma. She was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that is more common and much more likely to be cured. Most importantly, the first lady detected the problem (a sore that didn't heal) and sought medical care early, giving herself the best opportunity for successful treatment.

Many of us Montanans spend our days working and playing outside. What 21st century science tells us is that we must take precautions to protect our skin while in the great outdoors.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who knew Nancy Peterson as a close friend and neighbor, said "her hard work changed Montana's family farms and ranches forever." As Montanans remember her, let us also resolve to prevent skin cancer and save lives.
source:www.billingsgazette.net