As Florida’s summer heat stays intense, it is important to remember that the UV rays from the sun or damaging sun rays are just as strong as well. These intense rays can cause the very dangerous and potentially life-threatening risk of skin cancer. More people are diagnosed with skin cancers each year in the US than all other cancers combined – with 15,000 people dying of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the US each year and 6,800 dying of melanoma each year. Regular daily use of sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma by nearly half. Under the Florida sun, the proper use of daily sunblock with at least SPF 15 as well as protective eye gear, hats, and clothing is essential.
Even amidst taking all these daily precautions, it’s still important to meet with a dermatologist every year. You should visit even sooner if you notice a mole or “spot” changing in size or color or if you notice that it’s bleeding, scaling, or itching – as these can all be signs of a skin cancer or pre-skin cancer. The majority of skin cancers are caught early with proper screening; however they can sometimes require more intensive care such as MOHS, surgical excision, radiation therapy, and potentially chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
With a team of radiation oncologists, dermatologists, surgeons, pathologists, and medical oncologists, Flagler Health+ Radiation Oncology and Cancer Specialists of North Florida will come up with a comprehensive and customized cancer treatment plan for you. All of this is with the end goal of getting you healthy, active, and enjoying Florida outdoors!
Cancer Specialists of North Florida and Flagler Heath+ understand the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on you, your loved ones, and your daily life – that’s why they’ve created a team that is like no other. They have invested in cutting edge technology and assembled a team of medical and radiation oncologists to deliver seamless, quality, compassionate care right here, close to home. The team of board-certified medical oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to customize treatment plans for each patient; through linked computer and communication systems, doctors can review and discuss your imaging together and make real-time, united decisions about your care so that you will have a complete, comprehensive treatment plan.
Patients benefit from an integrated approach that spans multiple disciplines and results in better treatment outcomes. With the advancements in the complexities and treatment options in cancer care, a coordinated approach is crucial to make sure all treatment options and clinical trials are considered.
Leading the partnership, Dr. Emily Tanzler and Dr. Brian Deegan have built a team that focuses on the whole patient, not just the cancer. Your care begins when you arrive – schedulers, nurses, technicians, and therapists are here to ensure that your visit is as comfortable as possible. CSNF and Flagler Health+ have joined resources with weekly tumor boards to discuss patient care with oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and geneticists. Dieticians, social workers, mental health counselors, geneticists, navigators, and Flagler Advance Care nurses help manage toxicities from treatment as well as physical therapy, while the Flagler Cancer education center brings you information, resources, support, and free yoga classes to help with fatigue from diagnosis or treatments, range of motion, and mental health.
“Our philosophy is patient-centered care,” says Dr. Deegan, “that is consistent with one’s personal values while offering multidisciplinary and leading-edge treatments delivered in a community-based setting close to our patients’ homes and loved ones.”
To set up an appointment or learn more, contact Cancer Specialists of Northeast Florida at Flagler Health+ at their three St. Augustine locations….
9 San Bartola Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32086 – (904) 825-4500
97 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 – (904) 819-8200
70 Turin Terrace, Suite #210, St. Augustine, FL 32092 – (904) 829-0443
