Key points from today’s guests:

Kevin Shea, melanoma survivor

• Kevin was diagnosed with melanoma 12 years ago when he was only 25 after noticing a suspicious mole on his left forearm.
• He had a family history of skin cancer.
• Kevin underwent a wide excision to remove the melanoma and had surgery to remove lymph nodes, followed by interferon therapy.
• He discovered a lump under their chin during this past winter, which turned out to be melanoma, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups and early detection.
• Kevin emphasizes the importance of listening to loved ones and seeking medical attention when necessary.

Dr. Gary Doolittle, medical oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center; medical director, Masonic Cancer Alliance

• Take note of any blemishes you have. Also check if your spots are changing in color, size, shape or texture and be vigilant with any spots that have any unusual outline or are constantly itching or hurting.
• If you do see something concerning, do not delay in asking your doctor or getting to a dermatologist
• Young parents today are more aware of sun protection and are taking steps to protect their children's skin from the sun.
• It is important to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and to be mindful of the risk of melanoma, even for teenagers.
• The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests sunscreen that as a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or greater.
  
  

Dr. Luke Selby, surgical oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• Surgery involves removing all lymph nodes in the neck area, not just the ones with melanoma.
• The medical oncology team is crucial in Kevin's care, not just the surgical team.
• Melanoma has learned to spread from one spot to the other and it is more aggressive and has a propensity to keep spreading.
• If a surgeon can take out the disease in one spot, that's great. But medication with what we call systemic therapy to keep it from spreading is really the most important.
• Researchers are developing targeted immunotherapies for melanoma, with promising results.
• There's a brand new cellular therapy called TIL therapy. It stands for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte -- just approved by the FDA earlier this year.

Wednesday, May 15 at 8 a.m. is the next Open Mics with Dr. Stites. Countless Americans want weight loss drugs, but supply isn't meeting demand. Find out how weight loss patients are handling the wait list.

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