Florida Gulfside Chapter Hosts a Skin Cancer Screening and Awareness Day

On July 29, the Florida Gulfside Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society hosted its first community event for the Sarasota/Manatee area. The event was located at Siesta Key Beach where we brought skin cancer pamphlets and educational material to distribute to the community. Florida residents are exposed to the sun about 360 days out of the year, so they need to use sunscreen and be educated about the signs of skin changes.

We gave out samples of sunscreen, and a local dermatologist screened more than 80 people and addressed issues about skin cancer, screening, and awareness. About 100 people visited the event, received screening cards on their skin moles, and were encouraged to have a yearly skin screening. People on the beach who were laying out received samples as well. We gave GatorSHADE^® program information to younger children. This wonderful program was instituted by the University of Florida to bring awareness to children. They are exposed to the effects of the sun at such a young age, so parents and teachers must protect their skin.

The drive and motivation for the chapter event started at the Mentorship Weekend in 2005 when the community chair representatives attended and came home with a passion to reach the community. As a chapter, we wanted to take our group into the Sarasota area and encourage awareness of and prevention from cancer. When brainstorming ideas, we believed that a beach day was a priority. With so many of our patients affected by melanoma, we wanted to work toward prevention. We set out to involve the entire chapter, local pharmaceutical representatives, sunscreen manufacturers, and local physicians. The response was incredible. We received sun-protective lipbalms; sunscreen samples from Cotz, Panama Jack^®, and Coppertone^®; great education pamphlets on screening at home; and fun giveaways. The response from the local Panera Bread^® and Atlanta Bread Company^® was a fantastic bonus; they donated muffins and treats for attendees.

The chapter members really worked as a team, generously giving their time and sharing in the vision and passion to reach the community. The results of our efforts were seen that day from the community and its appreciation for the event. A lot of attendees were not aware of the severity of sun exposure, and many did not have a local dermatologist they regularly visited. We were encouraged that we met our goal and helped to educate the community.