Dermatological services an important part of Veteran’s long-term health care plan

The CDC states melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for men and the seventh most common cancer for women over 9,000 people die each year from melanoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, Veterans are 18 percent more likely to present with stage three melanoma and 13 percent more likely to receive an initial diagnosis of stage four, when the potentially fatal skin cancer has spread to other parts of the body. y, Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer but is more likely to grow and spread. To address these challenge faced by Veterans, the VA Western New York Health Care System (VAWNYHS) Dermatology provides comprehensive skin treatments.

“The Dermatology clinic at VAWNYHS is a unique clinic serving Veterans for their Dermatologic needs. We offer a variety of options to the Veterans to keep them updated with their skin checks. We work on creating awareness regarding annual and semi-annual skin checks and encourage Veterans to wear sunscreen.”, said Minakshi R. Jacob, VAWNYHS Dermatology Charge Nurse.

The VAWNYHSDermatological Clinic recommends Veterans without a history of skin cancer receive annual skin checks. For those with a history of cancer, a skin checks every six months is recommended and every three months for those with a history or new onset of Melanoma. To prevent skin damage Veterans are encouraged to wear sunscreen with at leas SPF 50, monitor Ultraviolet index, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and l 4 p.m., and wear wide brim hats and long sleeves.

The Dermatology Clinic offers Veterans specialized treatments for acute (short-term) and chronic (long-lasting) skin conditions, like acne, alopecia (hair loss), psoriasis, eczema, warts, and fungal illnesses. The clinic also offers evaluation, biopsy, and treatment of cancerous or pre-cancerous skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.: outpatient biopsies, state of the art phototherapy treatment, a home photo-therapy unit, if unable to come in person for treatment and the latest technology in laser treatments. To increase accessibility for Veterans, the clinic also offers telehealth appointments to meet with medical professionals virtually.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, Veterans can contact the clinic at 716-862-5352.