2008 Faculty Researchers

Ailor, Susan K., MD

Enhancement of Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection

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Office Location

MA-111 Medical Sciences Building, Dermatology Department Offices

Phone #:

(573) 882-8578

Applicants

One M-1 and one M-2 or Two M-1’s

Summary

Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students is an interactive educational program which was initially designed by four medical students of Saint Louis University and Washington University and Stephanie Lickerman, RN, of The Melanoma Hope Network. The University of Missouri was included in a secondary grant that was applied for but was not funded. We plan to begin the program at The University of Missouri which presently targets health classes in middle schools and junior highs and also adapt it for additional uses for the public.

Skin cancer is currently the most common cancer in the United States. The three main types of skin cancer are squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. The incidence of melanoma is rising faster than other forms of cancer and is presently the 7th most common overall. The risk of death from a melanoma if not detected early is very high with a five year survival rate of only 10% for metastatic melanoma. The cost of lives as well as the cost of health care is significant. It is projected that the cost of melanoma treatment by Medicare alone may exceed $5 billion by 2010.

We hope to build on the SPOTS program and develop a multi-generational approach which can truly make a difference in incidence and therefore, the morbidity and mortality of skin cancer.