Dr. Edward Prodanovic (l) talking with Jack Frost
The Program
Speaker Edward Prodanovic, MD, EVMS Professor of Dermatology, told us we shouldn't go live in cave, but we definitely should avoid excessive sunburns, and he backed up his claim with sobering statistics, such as:
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 1 in 5 Americans diagnosed with skin cancer before age 70
- Skin cancer rates are on the rise with the number of reported skin-cancer cases doubling between 1982 and 2011.
Dr. Prodanovic explained that much skin cancer comes from excessive sun exposure before age 18, but added that indoor tanning is at least in part to blame for the rise in statistics. He said that indoor tanning is now considered a Class One carcinogen, along with smoking and hot dogs.
Regarding self-examination, Dr. Prodanovic advised us to look for pimples that will not go away, and spots that appear with irregular edges, have multiple shades, or are raised or scaly. He told us to pay special attention to moles that develop after we’re 50. He said that earlier treatment is better, in part because basal cell cancers grow slowly.
The main treatment for malignant cancers is to cut them out. Dr. Prodanovic talked about new treatments, such as mole mapping and Mohs micrographic surgery. He cautioned us to watch for changes in our nail beds and nail plates. To this end, he showed a 1977 photograph of a person's toe, where skin cancer had been detected. The toe belonged to musician Bob Marley, who refused a recommended amputation and subsequently died in 1981, when the skin cancer metasticized. He also shared photos of other celebrities who were treated for skin cancer, including Hugh Jackman, Diane Keaton, and Sen. John McCain.
Dr. Prodanovic recommended use of sunscreens with an SPF of 30-50, and reapplying them every two hours.
The Meeting
Visitation Report—Joe New reported that Bob Latimer hopes to be back in two or three weeks. President Pam said that Jane Dembert is at The Gardens Assisted Living Center, 5620 Wesleyan Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, and to call first if we go to visit her (phone 757-499-4800). She said the best times to visit are around 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Introduction of Guests—Deb Sanford, Ashley Molinaro’s mom, and past-president of the Rotary Club of Bangor, Maine, was on hand as Ashley announced that this was her last meeting before her Navy move to northern Virginia. Her fellow Rotarians gave Ashley a standing ovation for her service while in our club.
Club Business—President Pam presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to Laurie Harrison (first), Marilyn Gowen (+2) and Ben Mason (+3).
Happy Bucks and Fines:
- Shep Miller fulfilled his I.O.U. to celebrate Maury High School's history-making win (the Commodores won first boys' basketball title in over 100 years, since 1927) on March 6, 2019. He upped his contribution to $100 because of UVA’s national title and a European trip he had taken with fellow Rotarians, including Marilyn Gowen and Susan Dunn.
- Chick Robison made a donation in honor of Shep’s multiple wine bottle contributions for the Suds & Buds Wine Pull.
- Ann Baldwin had Happy Bucks for her grandson’s graduation from N.C. State.
- President Pam offered Happy Bucks for her son, Gordon, who just passed his ordination examinations with the Presbyterian Church, USA; he will serve a church for two years before he can proceed with his goal of seeking a Navy commission in the Chaplain Corps.
- Before the meeting closed, Sally Hartman paid a special tribute to Ashley Molinaro, who is "ABD" (all but dissertation), about to receive her Ph.D.
