Broward Health shares skin health facts during Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May
Submitted by Lineth Fernandez
During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Lloyd Bent, a 77-year-old patient at Broward Health, reflected on his recent battle with skin cancer. The seasoned insurance professional was eager to share his story about the importance of being prepared for life’s unexpected challenges.
Bent’s story began in Jamaica when he noticed a small spot on his heel. Despite several visits to the doctor for further examination, a biopsy was never recommended. Bent relocated to South Florida and he began experiencing mobility setbacks and persistent upper leg pain.
“I thought I was just suffering from some sort of inflammation, but looking back, it may have been a sign that something more serious was going on with my body,” Bent said.
In March 2023, Bent’s wife noticed an alarming rupture on his heel. Without hesitation, they turned to Broward Health North, in Deerfield Beach, where his journey toward healing began. After a biopsy was done by Rishad Ahmed, M.D., DPM, a podiatrist at Broward Health, it was revealed that Bent had melanoma, deeply embedded within his heel.
Lloyd was immediately referred to Mehmet Hepgur, M.D., a hematologist-oncologist, and to Alia Abdulla, M.D., D.O., a surgical oncologist, both with the Broward Health Physician Group. The doctors worked together to create a comprehensive plan, guided by their expertise. Bent underwent a melanoma resection procedure in June 2023 to eradicate the cancer.
“I’m very grateful for Broward Health. My care was excellent,” Bent said. “While I was undergoing treatment, I shared my story to emphasize the importance of timely access to healthcare and comprehensive insurance coverage.
“When you face a life-threatening illness, time counts, and I felt incredibly grateful to have been well-prepared to take on this battle,” Bent said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer. To lower skin cancer risks, skin must be protected from the sun and indoor tanning must be avoided. Risk factors of skin cancer include lighter skin, skin that burns easily, blue and green eyes, blond and red hair, certain types and a large number of moles, a family or personal history of skin cancer, and being older in age.
“Even just 15 minutes in the sun unprotected, can cause skin damage. Even if it is cool and cloudy, you still need protection from UV rays,” Dr. Abdulla said. “Changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole should always be examined by a doctor.”
According to the CDC, to detect melanoma, remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma:
Asymmetrical: Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look different?
Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?
Color: Is the color uneven?
Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
Evolving: Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
To learn more about cancer services at Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org/BeatCancer.
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