Hidden Melanoma

ANCHOR LEAD:
Source: American Cancer Society's 2006 Facts & Figures
SLATHERING ON SUNSCREEN CAN SAVE YOU FROM SKIN CANCER. BUT EVEN WITH ALL THE PROTECTION OUT THERE, MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND NEW CASES OF MELANOMA WILL BE DIAGNOSED THIS YEAR...THAT'S UP 9 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW IS THAT MELANOMA...THE MOST SERIOUS TYPE OF SKIN CANCER... CAN ALSO TURN UP WHERE THE SUN DOESN'T SHINE. HERE'S ____ WITH A HEADS UP ON HIDDEN DANGERS.

TRACK ONE Length: 04
SARA LUPICA WAS SHOCKED WHEN HER DOCTOR DIAGNOSED HER WITH MELANOMA.

SOT
KEY @: 05 (quick)Sara Lupica, Had Skin Cancer
"It was about the size of a thumb nail behind my left ear that I would not see at all on my own, even looking in the mirror."

TRACK TWO Length: 08
DERMATOLOGIST ROBERT BRODELL SAYS MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE MELANOMA CAN FORM ON THE SCALP, EYES, UNDER FINGER AND TOE NAILS...

SOT
KEY @: 21 Dr. Robert Brodell, Dermatologist
"In the mouth, in the nostrils, in the swallowing tube called the esophagus, on the palms and soles."

TRACK THREE Length: 08
THEY'RE CALLED HIDDEN MELANOMAS BECAUSE SPOTTING THEM IS TOUGH, AND PEOPLE DON'T KNOW TO CHECK THESE AREAS. OFTEN TIMES, THE CANCER'S FOUND TOO LATE.

SOT
KEY @: 36 Dr. Robert Brodell, Dermatologist
"It spreads seeds through your body; it can be life threatening."

SOT
NO KEY Shonda Schilling, Shade Foundation
"This is one of those things that we can prevent."

TRACK FOUR Length: 13
LIKE SARA...SHONDA SCHILLING, WIFE OF RED SOX PITCHER CURT SCHILLING, IS A SKIN CANCER SURVIVOR. SHE STARTED THE "SHADE" FOUNDATION AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED.... SHE SAYS PEOPLE NEED TO GET YEARLY EXAMS AND DO THEIR OWN CHECKS.

SOT
KEY @: 55 Shonda Schilling, Shade Foundation
"For me, it's a daily thing to look at my body, you know, getting in and out of the shower."

TRACK FIVE Length: 17
Client Note: Picture of the melanoma on the lip was provided to us by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The remaining pictures were provided by Dr. Brodell.
FOR SELF CHECKS... LOOK FOR DARK SPOTS IN YOUR MOUTH... ESPECIALLY ON YOUR LIPS, INSIDE CHEEKS, AND UNDER YOUR TONGUE.

CHECK YOUR NAILS FOR BROWN OR BLACK DISCOLORATION THAT LOOKS SIMILAR TO A BRUISE.

ITCHINESS AND A DARK SPOT IN YOUR VISION SHOULD RAISE A RED FLAG.

AND A MOLE ON THE SCALP...

SOT
KEY @: 1:18 Dr. Robert Brodell, Dermatologist
"If you see this changing, pigmented or dark, black lesion, you get to your doctor right away."

TRACK SIX Length: 08
OR IF THE MOLE CHANGES SIZE OR SHAPE.
AND HAVE SOMEONE ELSE CHECK AREAS YOU CAN'T SEE.... SARA'S HAIR DRESSER FOUND HER MELANOMA.

SOT
KEY @: 1:34 Sara Lupica, Had Skin Cancer
"I had been visiting her probably every eight weeks or so for a haircut, and she finally made me promise that I would see a dermatologist. It was what saved my life."

ANCHOR TAG:
TO PROTECT AGAINST THESE HIDDEN MELANOMAS... WEAR SUNSCREEN ON THE TOPS AND BOTTOM OF HANDS AND FEET. WEAR A HAT IF YOU'RE OUTSIDE DURING THE DAY, AND KEEP YOUR EYES SAFE BY WEARING SUNGLASSES.

SOURCE INFORMATION:

Dr. Robert Brodell, M.D.
2660 E Market Street
Warren OH 44483
330-393-4004

Dr. Brodell is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatopathology at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. He is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. He says it is imperative that people become aware of hidden melanomas and regularly get medical check-ups and do self exams.

Shonda Schilling
Shade Foundation
10510 N. 92nd Street,
Suite 100
Scottsdale AZ 85258

Shonda Schilling is a melanoma survivor, and now advocates that people get checked for melanomas regularly. She and her husband, Curt Schilling, founded the Shade Foundation to educate adults and children about the risks of melanoma.