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Melanoma Monday: Kelowna physician warns of deadly skin cancer

Click to play video: 'Melanoma Monday: Kelowna physician warns of the serious risk of deadly skin cancer'
Melanoma Monday: Kelowna physician warns of the serious risk of deadly skin cancer
Melanoma Monday: Kelowna physician warns of the serious risk of deadly skin cancer – May 4, 2020

May is skin cancer awareness month, and one Kelowna physician is taking the opportunity to warn people about the dangers of melanoma.

On Melanoma Monday, Dr. Ben Wiese of the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic is checking over his patient James Wren for any possible signs of skin cancer.

Click to play video: 'Extended interview with Dr. Ben Wiese about melanoma'
Extended interview with Dr. Ben Wiese about melanoma

Wren sits down in the exam room and points to a spot high on his left cheek.

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“I’ve got one small spot here,” Wren advises Dr. Wiese.

Wren is hoping to have the spot removed with liquid nitrogen.

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Scientists are working on skin cancer vaccines

“It just burns it off, and new skin will of course come into play,” Wren said.

In order to get a better look at the spot, Dr. Wiese asked Wren to remove his sunglasses.

That’s when the toll of skin cancer on James Wren becomes a little more clear.

Wren has no left eye.

Click to play video: 'Ask an Expert: Melanoma Month'
Ask an Expert: Melanoma Month

“I lost my eye to cancer five years ago,” Wren admitted.

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“I’m unfortunate in that it has metastasized for me in the past,” Wren added.

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It’s taken numerous surgeries to correct the situation but only one thing to cause it.

“Overexposure to the sun has put me in this situation,” Wren said. 
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Ask the Doctor: Melanoma skin cancer is preventable
It’s a situation that, according to Dr. Wiese, can be quite deadly. 
“Every hour one person dies from melanoma,” Wiese said.
Despite the death toll there is some good news.
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“That can be prevented ” Wiese said. 
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Melanoma is defined as an abnormal growth of the skin.
“Typically due to UV exposure,” Wiese said. 
Dr. Wiese is taking advantage of National Melanoma Awareness Day in order to educate people about the risks of the most serious type of skin cancer.
“Just be mindful of your skin, just really protect your skin as much as possible,” Wiese advised. 
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And that means more than just slapping on sunscreen, according to the primary skincare cancer physician. 
Click to play video: 'Here’s how much you’ll lower your skin cancer risk by applying sunscreen'
Here’s how much you’ll lower your skin cancer risk by applying sunscreen
“Do your best to be in the shade, look at the UV exposure ratings every day, especially in the Okanagan,” Wiese said. 
Wiese said that in terms of UV ratings, it is important that everyone know their own risk because it varies from person to person, but anything over a five is not good.
Staying out of the sun is a message that Wren hopes everyone heeds before it is too late.
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“Take the necessary precautions now: it’s great to look brown and fit and robust, but take care of yourself because it’s just cosmetics,” Wren said. 

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