Stamford Mayor Diagnosed with Cancer

Stamford Mayor David Martin announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer.

At a Stamford Government Center press conference, Martin said he will be undergoing a procedure next week to surgically remove skin cells that have been diagnosed as Melanoma in situ.

Martin added, “This diagnosis and surgery will not affect my work as mayor.”

With February being National Cancer Prevention Month, Martin was joined by Elizabeth Manfredo and Michelle Palazzo from the Bennett Cancer Center, and John Watkins from the American Cancer Society to spread awareness about skin cancer and how prevention and early detection are key.

“I think this is a good opportunity to remind people to get checked out if they see anything unusual on their skin,” Martin said. “I am lucky that I went to a dermatologist early who put me through all of the right tests and this was caught early. There is going to be a scar on my face until the surgery completely heals but the long-term prognosis is extremely positive. I am going to be fine.”

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Dr. Henry Yoon, Physician of Record and the city’s Medical Advisor, said, “The Mayor’s message about prevention and early detection of skin cancers is an important one that is sometimes forgotten during the winter months.” Yoon added, “Sun exposure to exposed skins surfaces especially around the face, head, and neck where skin cancers are most common should be protected during the winter months as well.”

Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski said, “This is an opportune time to bring attention to Stamford’s Cancer Awareness Campaign. The mission of the campaign is to raise awareness in the community of the importance of prevention and screening. While not all cancers are preventable many are, and there are important steps we can take to help reduce the risks. Prevention is so important whether it’s eating healthy, exercising or protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Risk can be reduced.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the rates of melanoma have been rising for the last 30 years with about 76,000 cases of new melanoma expected to be diagnosed in 2016.

To prevent a lot of exposure to UV rays, the ACS recommends that if people are going to be in the sun, they should wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to block UV rays.

For more information about skin cancer prevention and steps you can be taking right now, visit the American Cancer Society’s website here.

Patch file photo: Mayor David Martin.