Fire brigade cancer emphasizes early screening

Buffalo, NY (WKBW) – With the beginning of the safe sun week, health experts emphasize the importance of sun protection. However, the limitation of sunlight is not always easy for firefighters. The risks became personally for the experienced Buffalo firefighter Andrew Beale.

Thanks to a cancer demonstration that was offered in the first responder program of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, doctors made skin cancer early and possibly saved his life. Now he shares his story to raise awareness.

“You always think you can never be,” said Beale. “But when I got this call, I knew it was a possibility.”

Beale has spent more than a decade in the fire brigade. Three years ago, his wife noticed a mole on his skin. He decided to check it by the first aid -Cancer screening program from Roswell Park, and the diagnosis was returned as a melanoma in stage 1.

“It was a kind of wake-up call, a reality check,” said Beale. “I had a lot of support and the early discovery was the key.”

Doctor Ankit Patel, a surgical oncologist in Roswell Park, emphasized the importance of reviewing existing moles.

“You have a character or color for a long time and suddenly notice, or maybe bleeding or grows, these are signs,” said Patel. “These cases can be fatal if they are not caught early.”

Doctor Patel also reminds the public to protect itself from the sun's rays by restricting exposure to direct sunlight, with sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.