Melanoma Advocacy & Early Detection with Dr. Dustin Portela and Leah Adams

May 6, 2024

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist, is joined by Leah Adams, a stage 1A melanoma survivor and skin cancer awareness advocate. Together, they dive into the world of skin cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. Leah interviews Dr. Portela about the importance of understanding different types of skin cancer, debunking common myths, and sharing essential resources for those affected. Along the way, they emphasize the critical role of self-care, regular skin checks, and the power of social support groups.

Leah Alexis Adams received her Bachelor’s of Science from Ohio University in Child and Family
Studies with a minor in Psychology. She then received her dual Master’s degree in Social
Science Administration and Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University.
Leah is the Program Manager for the National Kidney Foundation’s Northern Ohio office. She
has been with the organization for almost 5 years. In her role, Leah manages the planning and
implementation of all NKF programs in the Northern OH territory to support kidney patients,
caregivers and raise awareness in her community, and educate healthcare professionals. Some
personal things to note about Leah is that she is an avid runner who has ran 3 full marathons,
she loves to hike in her local Ohio Metroparks and state parks and she loves to travel whenever
she has the opportunity. When she is off the clock you can find her advocating about skin
cancer, sun safety and sharing her (stage IA) and her father's (stage IV metastatic) story of
melanoma to anyone who is willing to listen and learn. Through sharing her story with
melanoma on social media/online, she has had the privilege and opportunity to work with
multiple brands in the sun safety space, has been featured on local news stations, magazines
and has been a guest on a variety of podcasts.

Follow Leah on Instagram 

Key Points Covered:

1. Dr. Dustin Portela's Journey into Dermatology:

   • Shares his path from a curious middle schooler dissecting frogs to becoming a board-certified dermatologist.
   • Discusses why he chose dermatology for its blend of procedural and medical treatments.

2. Breaking Down Skin Cancer:

   • Explains the three primary types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
   • Highlights the varying levels of risk and common characteristics of each type.

3. Melanoma Awareness:

   • Leah shares her personal story as a stage 1A melanoma survivor, providing insights into the challenges of early detection and treatment.
   • They discuss the ABCDEs of melanoma identification and how individuals can empower themselves through self-exams.

4. Prevention and Early Detection Strategies:

   • Dr. Portela emphasizes the importance of sun protection from an early age.
   • Encourages monthly skin checks, particularly for those with family histories or increased risk.

5. Managing and Treating Skin Cancer:

   • Outlines the treatment process for different types of skin cancer, emphasizing surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery.
   • Discusses how sentinel lymph node biopsies are used in managing melanoma.

6. Support and Resources:

   • Suggests reliable resources such as the Skin Cancer Foundation and local support groups.
   • Highlights how organizations like Outrun the Sun raise funds for critical research and connect people.

7. Myths and Misconceptions:

   • Dr. Portela debunks myths surrounding sunscreen, emphasizing its role in reducing skin cancer risk.
   • Explains how the misconception of sunscreen causing cancer is harmful and unfounded.

8. Final Takeaways:

   • Leah and Dr. Portela encourage everyone to prioritize their skin health by using sunscreen, seeking regular skin checks, and fostering healthy lifestyle habits.
   • They underscore the power of social support and research advancements in improving melanoma outcomes.

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