What Rural Wyoming Patients Need to Know about Skin Cancer
By: Paul Massey, MD, MPH, FAAD
Our home state of Wyoming is the least populous state in the United States, with a density of only about six people per square mile, making it one of the most rural states in the country. And while expansive prairies, majestic mountains, and vast stretches of uninhabited land are undoubtedly a draw for those of us who call Wyoming home, these geographic features can pose logistical challenges for delivering healthcare services, particularly in isolated communities where medical facilities are sparse and distances between them can be considerable.
Rural Wyoming patients face particular challenges compared to their urban counterparts with respect to skin cancer. Limited access to dermatological care, limited healthcare infrastructure, and variable levels of awareness can contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. As a result, rural patients may experience poorer outcomes, including more advanced stages of cancer at the time of diagnosis and higher mortality rates.
Below are some evidence-based facts that rural dermatology patients should consider as they think about their risk for skin cancer. Compared to their peers living in urban areas, rural patients are:
More likely to have higher levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from sun. UVR exposure is the primary risk factor for skin cancer
More likely to have to travel over 60 miles for their skin cancer care
More likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer at a more advanced stage
More likely to have their cancer treated by someone who is not a specialist
More likely to die from their skin cancer once it is diagnosed
Awareness and healthcare access can help mitigate much of the above. Rural Wyoming patients can gain valuable insights about skin cancer and sun safety from online resources such as those provided right here on this site by the board-certified dermatologists at the Wyoming Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology. Rural Wyoming patients concerned about skin cancer may also discuss their concerns with their primary care providers, who can be an invaluable resource for information or even in diagnosing or triaging a concerning skin lesion. If you do not have a primary care physician, we encourage you to find one by online searches for local providers or by contacting local public health offices or county medical societies (e.g., Natrona County Public Health or the Natrona County Medical Society – often counties have both of these groups) for resources near you. Ultimately, many rural Wyoming patients concerned about skin cancer will opt to travel to see a board-certified dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology has a search function (https://find-a-derm.aad.org/) that allows patients to find the closest board-certified dermatologist to them, and the Wyoming Academy of Dermatology maintains an up-to-date listing of all dermatologists in Wyoming according to their place of practice.
In conclusion, while skin cancer is a formidable adversary for rural patients, with awareness, education and proactive, health-care seeking measures, rural Wyoming residents can mitigate its impact. By informing ourselves, embracing sun-safe practices and seeking timely medical care, we can work together to protect our skin and safeguard our health amidst the rugged beauty of the Cowboy State.