Skin Cancer Awareness Month: An Unlikely Patient

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 15, 2013

When 60-year-old Edna Mayorga first accepted a job with the large cancer care provider, Los Angeles Cancer Institute, a division of 21st Century Oncology of California, she did not know she would eventually become a patient. In November 2012, the 16-year veteran Patient Care Coordinator was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer on her nose.

It started with just a little bump. I thought it was a pimple, but it just kind of grew. Sometimes it would go away and get flat, other times it was like a little bump, and occasionally it would bleed, Mayorga said. That was my sign that something was not right.

A visit to the dermatologist confirmed her suspicions: basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer in the United States with 2.8 million people diagnosed each year. While this cancer is rarely fatal, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow into surrounding facial structures. Her dermatologist first referred her to a surgeon to perform Mohs surgery, essentially cutting the cancerous tumor out of her nose.

I evaluated the benefits and drawbacks to the Mohs surgery and the cosmetic effects would be a nightmare for me, says Mayorga. I would end up with a flap then three scars on my nose. I knew there had to be alternative treatments with better cosmetic outcomes. That's when I talked to my own doctors about radiation therapy.

After intense research, she made the decision to undergo radiation therapy with Board Certified Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Daniel Schiffner. Her workdays began to include her regular duties as well as radiation therapy at the Los Angeles Cancer Institute, a division of 21st Century Oncology of California.

I felt confident about starting radiation therapy because I work here and I know it works, she says. But the first time when they close that door, I was a little scared. Dr. Schiffner helped me through and after that, it was no big deal. It was easy and fast with no pain, no poking, or cutting. It was actually a really good experience.

Over time, the basal cell skin cancer was eliminated, leaving Edna cancer free, but more vocal than ever about skin cancer prevention and awareness and a greater appreciation for her patients.

I see things from the patients point of view even more now. Ive always been at the front desk, encouraging them to have faith in themselves and promote positive thinking and positive feedback, she says. Now I can give them more and better feedback because Ive had the experience. That makes me feel even better knowing that I can give my point of view for the patients.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Edna Mayorga is committed to raising mindfulness of early detection and prevention of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.

I want people not to be afraid of their health. If you see something that is unusual, take care of it; get it checked out. Dont be scared if you are diagnosed with basal cell because it can be cured. And dont be scared of radiation, it works, especially on the face. Consider your options, this is a different way to treat skin cancer with minimal scarring and no cutting. I would highly recommend radiation treatment.

For more information, visit http://www.21COncologySouthBay.com or call (310) 414-9990 to make an appointment.

About 21st Century Oncology:

21st Century Oncology is the foremost provider of cancer care services across multiple modalities, and the largest radiation oncology provider. For more than 30 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing state-of-the-art, academic level treatment options in a patient-centric setting focused on continuous innovation. Headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, the physician-led company operates in 16 states and 7 countries, with an extensive network of nearly 300 locations, including approximately 130 radiation therapy facilities. 21st Century Oncology employs or is affiliated with hundreds of physicians in a broad spectrum of cancer-related specialistsworking together to deliver the most advanced integrated cancer care.

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Find More Skin Care Press Releases

African Americans Find New Solutions to Their Skin Problems from an Unlikely Source

Asbury Park, NJ (PRWEB) May 28, 2013

In recent years, the emphasis on beauty lies in the skin, each day we see more and more customers interested in finding skin care solutions. Each individual has unique skin care problems, but some ethnic groups are susceptible to more problematic conditions. In general age spots and acne scare are problems that are common regardless of ethnicity. However other skin care problems, those more commonly occur in individuals with darker skin tones. Some of these problems include post inflammation hyperpigmentation, Vitiligo, eczema, and keloids. This skin conditions can be more difficult to treat or appear more noticeable. In order to treat these conditions, people have been looking for alternatives to invasive lasers and acid peels. Fortunately many African Americans are finding relief of these conditions which are treated with topical creams and oral treatments popular in Asian skin care markets.

Why is Dark Skin Different?

Primarily, the main difference when it comes to skin color is one small factor melanin. Melanin is the primary determinant of skin pigment, often stimulated when the integrity of the skin is compromised, such as exposure to intense ultraviolet rays. Melanin is a natural substance produced by our bodies that gives color/pigment to hair, skin, and the iris of the eye. Melanin is one reason why scars and bumps appear darker and last longer. In treatment, the goal of skin whitening is to slow or stop the body from producing more melanin.

Demographics

A recent study by the University of Cape Town suggests that one woman in three in South Africa bleaches her skin. The reasons for this are as varied as the cultures in this country but most people say they use skin-lighteners to achieve a more even skin tone and others to treat skin conditions. Skin whitening can be used to solve skin care problems, such as Melasma, acne scars, Vitiligo and hyperpigmentation.

Skin-lightening creams have been used in South Africans for many years, but they have become more common recently with the influx of people from countries such as Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are even more widespread. The World Health Organization has reported that Nigerians are the highest users of such products: 77% of Nigerian women use the products on a regular basis. They are followed by Togo with 59%; South Africa with 35%; and Mali at 25%.

Achieving a Healthy Even Glow

Changing the color of your skin to different color has to be gradual, even when treating skin problems. It's not something you decide one day that 'I want to be fair, and the next day you are white. That is not how skin whitening works, it takes time to lighten. That is why we are available to advise customers first before selling it to them said Suzzy, Founder of Flawless Beauty and Skin

The good news is there are skin whiteners have come a long way. The skin care industry, especially lightening products have become more transparent with ingredients, finding organic and natural alternatives. Whitening, lightening, or bleaching skin treatments and dark spots are now safe. Skin Whitening isnt only about becoming lighter; these treatments can help in treating serious skin issues and be used as a corrective measure for hyperpigmentation, keloids, and age spots. To ensure your safety make sure that the creams you're using are made from a combination of healthy and herbal skin whitening products from authentic dealers.