Backus, local man team up to fight melanoma
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Jack Domijan has raised more than $100,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation, hoping to make people more aware of the dangers of melanoma.
"You hear about it more now, but when my wife was first diagnosed, 15 years ago, I'd never heard of melanoma," Mr. Domijan said.
His wife, Kathy, was only 46 when she died eight years ago. She initially had a lump removed and seven years passed and they thought she would be fine, but then the cancer spread and metastasized to her main organs.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. However, if it is recognized and treated early it is often curable. While it is not the most common of skin cancers, it causes the most deaths.
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 60 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma annually, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths.
After her death, Mr. Domijan decided to host a car cruise in Kathy's memory, because they were both members of car clubs. The annual cruise has turned into a popular and fun event, with raffles, more than 100 classic cars and live broadcasting by Kevin Hogan of WFSB Channel 3 and Kool FM101 of New London. About 70 baskets donated by different businesses and organizations are raffled off.
Along with raising money, the event also features the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center, which offers melanoma screenings for attendees.
Howard Rogers, MD, a dermatologist on the Backus Medical Staff, said last year he screened 100 people and had to turn away almost as many, so the hours were extended this year.
Alice Facente, a registered nurse and clinical educator at Backus Hospital, said the screenings will be from noon to 3 p.m. "These screenings save lives. Last year we identified at least three people who needed a biopsy," she said.
Dr. Rogers said the majority of the worst sun exposure happens by the time you are 18, but it is important to use sunscreen when you are going to be outside for any extended period of time.
"People need to get out and enjoy life, but they need to be conservative. They often don't realize if you are getting a tan, you are damaging your skin," Dr. Rogers said. "Your DNA is changing."
He recommends people put on sunscreen first thing in the morning and reapply every two to four hours.
"I tell golfers to reapply after nine holes, because sunscreen is degraded by the sun's rays after two hours. If you are at the beach you should reapply every two hours as well," he said.
Warning signs of melanoma: It's as simple as A, B, C, D
A: Asymmetry, where the mole is not round, the two halves do not match up
B: Border irregularity, the edges are notched, uneven or blurred
C: Color variation, if a mole is more than one color or changes color
D: Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters, or a pencil eraser. Also if a mole is increasing in size, it should be examined by a doctor.
If you want to go:
What: Melanoma screening and car cruise to raise funds for Melanoma Research Foundation.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Mallon Cheverolet, 774 W. Thames St., Norwich. Howard Rogers, MD, a dermatologist on the Backus Medical Staff, will offer melanoma screenings aboard the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center.
For more information or to donate: go to http://www.melanoma.org/