A Case Western Reserve University study shows that counties with at least one dermatologist per 100,000 residents, have lower rates of death from the deadly skin cancer melanoma.
In the study it comes down to the ratio. Here in the Rockford area that ratio is favorable. The combined population of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle counties is 400,000 and there are six dermatologists serving that area.
"The main thing is that if there are more dermatologists in an area, people tend to seek treatment earlier. They get seen earlier," says Dr. Nicole Hartsough. "It's easier to get in to see the doctor. Their family doctor has an easier time of referring them to a dermatologist."
Even though the numbers are favorable, according to the study, Dr. Hartsough thinks our area needs more doctors focusing on this deadly cancer.
"So in areas around here which are considered slightly less desirable, we have a hard time of getting people who want to come. So there's definitely less dermatologists than what we need."
Hartsough Dermatology saw 22,000 patients in 2011. With that volume of patients coming through the doors. One might wonder what the most prevalent treatment is.
"Bacil cell skin cancer. Which, fortunately its the most frequent but the least dangerous. It never spreads internally, it just gets bigger and bigger. So it either needs to be removed or it can be treated with a radiation type or x-ray type treatment."
