Focus Program Provides Skin-Cancer Education

(From left) Stuart R. Lessin, MD, director of dermatology, Carolyn Heckman, PhD, behavioral researcher, and Cliff Perlis, MD, MBe, director of Mohs surgery, educated Focus attendees on the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.

In recognition of skin cancer awareness month, the 26th annual Focus Program, held May 20, featured three Fox Chase experts, Carolyn Heckman, PhD, Stuart R. Lessin, MD, and Clifford S. Perlis, MD, MBe, who enlightened the crowd on skin-cancer prevention, research and treatment.

Heckman, a behavioral researcher in Fox Chase's population science division, pointed out the dangers of indoor tanning and highlighted a study she is working on with college students to identify signs of tanning dependence or "tanorexia."

Lessin, director of dermatology, remarked about the growth of the department since his arrival seven years ago.

"Skin cancer is a priority at Fox Chase," he explained. "We provide clinical services such as screening, detection and treatment; we conduct research; and we filter the discoveries from the lab into clinical areas."

Perlis, director of Mohs micrographic surgery, explained this surgical procedure and why it is the most effective treatment for basal- and squamous-cell carcinomas. Mohs surgery conserves healthy tissue while removing all the cancerous cells.

Attendees were delighted with such a comprehensive education program. Focus is an annual program devoted to important and timely cancer-related themes.