Colleen Cogill, like so many of her generation, spent her youth searching for the perfect tan. Sun, tanning beds, oils, even iodine, and little to no sunscreen. It was common practice.

A few years ago, she noticed a small dark spot under her eye. It appeared to be nothing, a “sun spot” and Colleen was able to have it frozen and removed. When the spot returned a few years later, Ruchi Patel, PA-C with Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Dermatology had concerns. Ruchi wanted to biopsy the area, but Colleen didn’t see the need. She was heading to a formal event, and just wanted the spot frozen. Ruchi was insistent, and made Colleen promise that if the spot returned, she would allow them to do a biopsy. The spot returned quickly, and Colleen kept her promise. She made an appointment for a biopsy.

Just a few days later, Colleen received the phone call. She had melanoma. Colleen counts herself fortunate that the melanoma was caught early and removed surgically before more aggressive treatment was needed. Colleen admits that she didn’t realize how dangerous melanoma could be. Colleen says, “I never realized that melanoma could kill you. It just didn’t occur to me that your skin is your body’s largest organ. I am lucky to be here, and I’m so thankful to Ruchi Patel for being persistent.”

A year later, Colleen visits MMC Dermatology every 3 months for skin checks and feels secure knowing that if more areas of melanoma appear, they will be caught early. Colleen shares her story in hopes that it will encourage others to take care of their skin and be cautious. Colleen said, “I had been wearing sunscreen for several years because I was getting older and realized I needed to take better care of my skin, but by then, it was already too late.”

Ruchi Patel, PA-C shares the following tips on preventing skin cancer:

• Anyone who has a history of sunburns or used tanning beds should have regular full body skin checks at least once a year.

• Prevention and early detection are key in reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with skin cancers, especially melanoma.

• Knowing the ABCDE’s of melanoma and using sunscreen and sun protection is meant for everyone of all skin types.

• Use a sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily and reapply every 2 hours or sooner if you get wet or sweat. Be Good to Your Skin!

Free Skin Cancer Screenings During the Month of May for NEW Dermatology Patients.

Any additional treatment or procedure recommended will be scheduled accordingly.

Call 615-867-8220 or visit mmclinic.com/dermatology to schedule!