When Geraldine Orlando noticed a small red spot on her forehead nearly 30 years ago, she didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t painful, just persistent. But a visit to a dermatologist revealed basal cell carcinoma — a common form of skin cancer.
That diagnosis, Orlando said, changed her life. Since then, the Glen Cove native has had more than 50 basal cells and two squamous cell carcinomas removed from her body, along with several moles.
“I was in my 40s when I got diagnosed the first time,” the 69-year-old said. “And it just never stopped from there.”
Orlando’s story is just one of many that illustrate the importance of routine skin checks, especially among those who grew up in sun-drenched communities like Glen Cove. Now, thanks to a partnership among Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, of Woodbury, and local dermatologist Dr. Eve Lupenko, residents have a chance to get ahead of skin cancer.
Head-to-toe exams for those of all ages, in a private, comfortable setting, will be available on May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Glen Cove Senior Center. Participants can opt for a full-body check, or focus on specific areas of concern.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, surpassing all other types combined. Yet despite the numbers, early detection dramatically increases survival rates. For melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent when it is caught early.
“Routine skin exams are important for everyone, but as we age and deal with the damage caused by a lifetime of sun exposure, it’s even more important to be screened regularly,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This is about saving lives through early detection.”
Lupenko said that consumers should look for sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum,” which protect against UVA rays, which cause aging and long-term damage, as well as UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and most skin cancers. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them to heat, while physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Lupenko advises those with sensitive skin or who want to avoid chemicals to use sunblock with zinc or titanium. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapplied every two to four hours.
“And if you’re sweating or swimming, look for water-resistant formulas — but even then, reapply after 80 minutes max,” she said.
She also warns against being misled by the impression that clothing is more protective than it actually is. “A white T-shirt only gives you about an SPF of four,” Lupenko said, referring to the term Sun Protection Factor. “That’s barely anything. If you’re going to use clothing for sun protection, wear dark or brightly colored fabrics — or, better yet, clothes labeled with a UPF rating of 50 or more.” Ultraviolet Protection Factor is the term used for fabrics.
She urged residents to stick with trusted sunscreen brands, and avoid heavily discounted or foreign products sold online.
Lupenko encourages sun protection year-round — rain or shine, summer or winter. “Even cloudy days and cold months contribute to skin damage,” she said. “And for many people, the risk is compounded by genetics. Melanoma can run in families.”
That’s certainly true for Orlando. Her mother died of melanoma, and her sister was diagnosed, too, though it was caught early. As a result, Orlando is vigilant about protecting her skin.
“I get checked every three months,” she said. “And I make my daughters and grandchildren go too. I tell them, ‘I don’t want you to go through what I went through.’”
During the May 2 screenings, Lupenko will carefully document any areas of concern, and give participants a summary to share with their primary-care doctor or their own dermatologist. If a spot looks suspicious, she will recommend a biopsy as soon as possible. For pre-cancerous lesions, treatments may include cryotherapy or topical creams. Everyone who attends will also receive a bag of sunscreen samples to encourage daily protection.
“You’d be surprised how many people avoid sunscreen because it feels sticky or burns their eyes,” she noted. “We give them samples of the latest formulas so they can find something they actually like using.”
For Orlando, who still carries the physical scars of sun damage, the message is simple: “Use your sunscreen. Get checked. You may look great with a tan, but you won’t look great after mole surgery.”
The Senior Center is at 130 Glen St. Appointments are required for next Friday’s screenings, and can be made by calling (516) 364-8200.
