View Larger Image

Save Your Skin, Prevent Melanoma

By Dustin Kopp|2018-05-16T10:02:26-05:00May 15, 2018 9:59 am|Local News|0 Comments

FARMINGTON, MO (KDKZ-TV) Summer will be here before we know it.

More and more Missourians will be soaking up the sun in the months ahead, but doctors urge caution as the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise. Dr. Wei-Wei Huang, a dermatologist at Mercy Clinics in St. Louis, attributes the increase to sun exposure, environmental factors and the fact that people today are living longer.

She says many people still think of skin cancer as merely an inconvenience that requires removal, which she calls a “dangerous underestimation” of the disease.

“Melanoma can be deadly. If you don’t take care of that, it can grow in your lymph nodes and can be all over your body, and people do die from that.”

Huang recommends that Missourians protect themselves with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, and be on the lookout for any suspicious moles or lesions.

About the Author: Dustin Kopp

I joined News Channel 18 in May 2011 in the weather department as Chief Meteorologist. In January 2013, I assumed the roll of News Director. I started my career in 2003 in high school. I attended Farmington High School. While there, I was a student in Black Knight Television (BKTV), doing anything from camera work, to editing, producing and anchoring the weather. I attended Mineral Area College, University of Missouri – Columbia, Mississippi State University and Webster University. While attending college, I continued to help out with BKTV. In 2009, I interned at KOMU-TV, Columbia, Missouri’s NBC affiliate. I enjoy spending time with my wife, Danica and our daughters , Declynn and Danleigh. I can’t forget about our dog, Daisy. We rescued her in 2011. We also have a cat named Dolly. I am committed to giving you the most accurate information, whether it’s from my latest weather forecast, or a news story that could touch your heart. Contact me if you have any questions or a news idea.