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I love farmers and ranchers. My admiration stems not only from what they do but also from who they are. Ranchers and farmers work long hard days so that we can all eat. We have always and will always need food to survive. This fact will never change. This is why we must serve and protect those who provide us with food.
As a skin cancer surgeon, I am incredibly privileged to be able to care for this special group of men and women. Though I’ve never raised cattle or grown a single edible plant, I’ve learned to appreciate their fascinating world. They’ve shared so many stories and details about their lives that I’ve learned to live vicariously through them.
Last year, I even attended a cattle branding. It was an intense and immersive hands-on experience with real cowboys riding horses. After the cowboys lassoed the calves, I helped vaccinate and brand them. And, of course, we also performed surgical procedures to create steers. What a magical, intensive, and surreal experience it was! As much as I was energized by this day, I’m incredibly grateful to be a dermatologic surgeon.
I have grown to greatly appreciate farmers and ranchers, not only for their service to their communities but for the resolve and dedication it takes to adhere to such a demanding lifestyle. It’s not just a job for them. It’s a way of life that gives them so much pride.
I have also come to appreciate that among the many sacrifices made by these professionals, one of the most troubling is the sacrifice of their skin health from many hours spent toiling under the oppressive Colorado sun. The sunlight that grows crops and hay is the same sunlight that causes skin cancer. This fact is also why I see so many farmers and ranchers as patients.
Farmers and ranchers are at a much higher risk of skin cancer than the rest of the population, as they are routinely exposed to 2 or even 3 times the levels of UV radiation than the average person experiences in their lifetime.
How can we serve and protect farmers and ranchers?
Protecting Our Farmers and Ranchers from the Sun: SPF and UPF
Due to the nature of their work, farmers and ranchers are less likely to practice safe sun practices. It is extremely important to apply sunscreen every day and re-apply every two hours, no matter the weather or time of year. We offer a variety of effective sunscreen options through Shopclara.com.
Protective clothing is another great option for farmers and ranchers. Of course, we can and should shield our bodies with sunglasses and hats, but even certain shirts and pants carry a higher sun protection rating than others. This rating is known as UPF. UPF ratings range between single-digit numbers and 50+. Fabrics with tighter weaves and darker colors have a higher UPF rating. Sun protective clothing will have its UPF rating listed on the label.
Annual (or Semi-Annual) Skin Exams at Vanguard Skin Specialists
We recommend annual full-body skin exams to everybody. For people such as farmers and ranchers who spend most of their time under the sun, we recommend these exams be held every 6 months. This is especially important if a patient has a personal or family history of skin cancer or abnormal moles.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments for Skin Cancers
There are several treatment options for skin cancer that we offer at Vanguard Skin Specialists. I am personally accredited as both a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship- Mohs surgeon, which allows me to play an active role throughout all stages of my patients’ skin cancer treatments. I provide my personal cell phone number to all my surgical patients so they can reach out any time before, during, or after their treatment process.
Schedule Your Appointment at Vanguard Today
Regardless of your profession, I urge you to take your skin health seriously. As a physician, I am dedicated to my patients’ safety. If you have yet to schedule your annual skin exam, or if you have any questions, contact Vanguard today at 719-355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form.
Vinh Chung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer at Vanguard Skin Specialists. Dr. Chung sees patients in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Woodland Park. He is the author of Where the Wind Leads.
Vanguard Skin Specialists offers dermatology, plastic surgery, Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, and aesthetics.
