Last Thursday's speaker (via Zoom) was Stephan Fine, founder and president of the Melanoma Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3), dedicated to the education of middle and high school kids and teachers to learn prevention, self-detection and treatment of melanoma skin cancer which occurs as a high risk to youth and young adults compared to basal or squamous cell skin cancers.

The program began in 2000 in memory of Stephan Fine’s son who died of melanoma at a young age and now extends to a shared Rotary Outreach. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers primarily occur in folks older than 40 years of age and grow more slowly than melanoma. Melanoma usually shows or presents as a skin cancer with an existing mole that changes or another unusual skin lesion. Melanoma symptoms can happen anywhere on the body. Melanomas most often develop in areas that have had exposure to the sun. This includes the arms, back, face and legs. But melanomas also can happen in areas that aren't as exposed to the sun. This includes the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and fingernail beds.

Typical moles are generally a uniform color and have a distinct border separating the mole from the surrounding skin. They're oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in diameter. Most moles begin appearing in childhood and new moles may form until about age 40. By the time we are adults, most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles may change in appearance over time, and some may even go away with age.

But signs of a problematic mole or possible melanoma include the ABCD identification scheme:  

• Asymmetrical shape: Look for moles with unusual shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.

• Border: Look for moles with unusual, notched or scalloped borders. 

• Color: Look for growths that have many colors or unusual color patterns 

• Diameter or size: Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters). 

Melanomas that are detected early are usually curable whereas if left untreated may invade other tissue and can be fatal. Doing regular self-checks with a long wall mirror and a hand mirror to scan your whole-body including the scalp will allow you to notice any new or unusual lesions which should be shown to a physician. Be a good self-advocate and press the issue of your concern. If you believe it is a melanoma an evaluation by a dermatologist is most preferable.

For more information including videos targeted for middle and high school students please see the Melanoma Education Foundation’s website at www.skincheck.org. 

Our president, Jim Herbold reminded us to continue to sign up for a variety of tasks in support of our weekly meetings. Anyone willing to help with Spooktacular at the Boothbay Railway Museum on Oct. 31 should contact Conxa Packard. If you still need more Halloween spirit you can join Irene at the Opera House around 4 p.m. for “Trunk or Treat," the last stop on the annual Halloween parade.   

Jim also reviewed the results of our October board meeting and the $18,300 we slated for donations this month to worthy needs and programs. The recipients included the CRC, the St. Andrews Free Bed Fund, Rotary International’s Polio Drive, Shelterbox for Nepal, our local Chamber of Commerce, Animals for Action Maine, and Ascend through Athletics. This also included setting aside $10,000 for upcoming scholarship awards. It is surely rewarding to see our ability to offer this support.  

Laurie Zimmerli reported continual success on Rotary Barn sales that fund our efforts!  

This week we welcome Kay Wilder from the Boothbay Region Historical Society. The Boothbay Region Historical Society has an ongoing exhibit of artifacts, photographs and documents. They also offer a variety of interesting programs throughout the year. All are welcome! We meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 at 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor.