The National Farm Medicine Center teamed with Dermatology at Marshfield Clinic Health System to screen 130 individuals on World Cancer Day, Feb. 4, during the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association conference at Stevens Point Holiday Inn.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one-in-five people developing it. Farmers and others who work in the sun are at higher risk. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated.

​“One of the biggest barriers to health care for farmers is getting time away from the farm to seek care," said Erik Stratman, M.D., medical director of Dermatology. “We do these screenings as a service to our agricultural communities and outdoor workers, who may find the time to look for their next farm implement or see the latest in technology for their farm."

Health System providers present at the event included Heidi Korb, N.P., and residents Anna Gregoire, M.D., and Jason Sotzen, M.D. 

​Since 2011, Farm Medicine has facilitated skin cancer screening at nine farmer-focused events, examining approximately 2,200 people, finding nearly 200 presumed cancers and generating nearly 700 referrals.

“Often times at these screenings we'll see people who otherwise might not have been seen until late stage development of their skin cancer," Dr. Stratman said.

Funding for these screenings is being provided on behalf of the 2018 Wood County Farm Technology Days Show and by philanthropic support from the Auction of Champions.

To learn more about skin cancer screenings, and how to protect yourself, listen to this podcast between Dr. Stratman and Reba McClone, of Mid-West Farm Report.