has been evaluating this new model of care in order to design the most effective and efficient manner to evaluate skin cancer. The program, modeled after a practice at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania allows patients, who have suspicious growths on their skin, to see a board-certified, skin cancer specialist immediately.

"The significant shortage of dermatologists makes the wait for a new patient appointment several months in some regions. When we opened the DSCC, our vision was to offer comprehensive care and expanded treatment options, including better access to highly trained physicians," said Goldstein. "In addition, skin cancer has more than tripled among Caucasians between 1980 and 2003. Therefore, with summertime around the corner where there is increased exposure to the sun, we feel it's our responsibility to give patients immediate access to care, offering them advanced treatment and peace of mind."

DermAccess is designed to accept new patients within 72 hours of a referral to the center. Patients who have suspicious lesions are encouraged to contact the center requesting an appointment with DermAccess where they will be evaluated for skin cancer. "Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer," said Dr. Goldstein. "It is vital for everyone to perform a monthly self-exam and look for abnormal growth or moles."

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), to determine whether or not a mole is suspicious, it is helpful to keep in mind the ABCD's of Melanoma:

• Asymmetry - meaning one half of a mole is different than another;
• Border Irregularity - the edge, or border, of melanomas are usually ragged, notched or blurred;
• Color - benign moles can be any color, but a single mole will be only one color. Melanoma often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion; and
• Diameter - while melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If a mole is different from others, or it changes, itches or bleeds, even if it is smaller than 6 mm, see a dermatologist.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the AAD, over half of all new cancers are skin cancers and more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. In addition to immediate screenings, DSCC also offers accessibility to high-tech treatment options including Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs surgery provides the most precise method for removal of all cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. This typically results in an aesthetically pleasing result compared to other treatment options. MOHS surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain cancers. DSCC has three board-certified Mohs surgeons on staff and is a regional training center for this state-of-the-art procedure.

"While our treatment center offers immediate access to the most advanced treatment technologies available, prevention is truly the key to beating all cancers," said Goldstein. "We recommend applying SPF 30+ sunscreen and wearing protective clothing year- round, for you and your family."

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