News Archive

On June 9, students and employees walking into Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College were greeted with festivities to celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

At the lobby were informational brochures, games and giveaways – all with the goal to educate about skin cancer prevention and early detection.

Two mannequins from the College's simulation lab came down to “sunbathe” in the lobby, completely decked out in their swimsuits, sunglasses, and beach gear. On their skin were various types of skin cancer lesions that can develop over time due to excessive sun exposure. Chris Seckman, DNP, RN, assistant professor, and Tina Ahearn, BSN, clinical simulation facilitator, created the “moulage” (moulding material used to create fake wounds) on the mannequins.

“We felt that moulaging our patient simulators added to the realism by having various lesions and melanomas that clinicians could identify on the skin,” says Ahearn.  “It was meant to be a creative way to bring skin simulation to life.”

“Skin cancer is on the rise especially in the 30-35 year old age group, and the average age of our students is 32.5,” says Dr. Seckman. “Our students are at risk so it’s important to spread awareness about the disease.”

The event was organized by Goldfarb School of Nursing in collaboration with patient education coordinators, Marilee Kuhrik, PhD, RN and Nancy Kuhrik, PhD, RN, from Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine (SCC).

In addition to practicing sun protective behaviors and avoiding tanning beds, the Kuhriks encouraged attendees to view the SCC web site www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu to find out their risk of developing melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with about one million people developing the disease each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, which causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. When detected early, it is highly treatable.

To watch a video clip from the skin cancer awareness event, visit http://bit.ly/baySdn.