• Schimp DJ

• Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
• Skin Diseases / diagnosis

The influence of the doctor of chiropractic on public health extends beyond that of a specialist in the field of neuromusculoskeletal disease. As the third most utilized health care profession, chiropractic plays an important role in broader matters of public health. For example, obesity is a significant problem. Chiropractors have taken a role in educating patients about diet, nutrition, exercise, and weight loss. Likewise, the current epidemic of skin cancer is a serious public health concern, and chiropractors are in a position to make a difference. Estimates project that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point. The proactive and engaged chiropractor can help raise public awareness of the disease by routinely scanning patients for suspicious skin lesions and discussing strategies to minimize exposure to dangerous UV radiation. This article explains the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common form of skin cancer in the United States: basal cell carcinoma.

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