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VIDEO: Genetic testing, educational campaigns can dramatically reduce melanoma mortality
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NEW YORK — Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, delivered a two-part talk at HemOnc Today New York that focused on the importance of early detection of melanoma.
The first part focused on the genetic underpinnings of the disease and the need to identify people who most need to be screened. The second part focused on ways to reach those individuals and increase their awareness.
Oregon Health & Science University, where Leachman serves as chair of the dermatology department, has launched its War on Melanoma initiative to lead this effort.
“War on Melanoma is a public outreach program that is [helping people better understand] they need to look at their skin and, if they see something, they need to do something about it,” Leachman, who also is the director of the melanoma research program at Knight Cancer Institute, told HemOnc Today. “By combining these two ends of the spectrum, we will be able to dramatically [reduce] mortality due to melanoma.”