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During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Broward Health patient Lloyd Bent, 77, reflects on his recent battle with skin cancer. The seasoned insurance professional is eager to share his story to illustrate the importance of being prepared for life’s unexpected challenges.
Bent’s story began when he discovered a small spot on his heel while in Jamaica. Despite multiple visits to the doctor for further examination, the doctor never recommended a biopsy. Bent moved to South Florida, where he began to experience limited mobility and persistent thigh pain.
“I thought I was just suffering from some kind of inflammatory condition, but looking back, it was probably a sign of something more serious going on in my body,” Bent said.
In March 2023, Bent’s wife noticed a concerning crack in his heel. Without hesitation, they came to Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach, where his journey to recovery began. Broward Health podiatrist Dr. Rishad Ahmed, DPM, performed a biopsy that revealed Bent had melanoma deeply embedded in his heel.
Lloyd was immediately referred to hematologic oncologist Mehmet Hepgur, MD, and surgical oncologist Alia Abdulla, MD, both of Broward Health Physician Group. Together, the two doctors developed a comprehensive plan, guided by their expertise. In June 2023, Bent underwent a melanoma resection to eradicate the cancer.
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“I am so grateful to Broward Medical Center for the excellent care I received,” Bent said. “During my treatment, I shared my story to emphasize the importance of timely access to health care and comprehensive insurance coverage.
“When you’re dealing with a life-threatening illness, time is of the essence, and I’m so grateful that I was well prepared for this battle,” Bent said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is responsible for most cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, you must protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning. Risk factors for skin cancer include lighter skin, skin that burns easily, blue-green eyes, blond and red hair, certain types and numbers of moles, a family or personal history of skin cancer, and older age.
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“Even 15 minutes in the sun without protection can damage your skin. Even if the weather is cool and cloudy, you still need UV protection,” Dr. Abdullah says. “Any changes in your skin, such as new growths, wounds that won’t heal, or changes in moles, should be checked out by a doctor.”
To detect melanoma, remember the ABCD-Es of melanoma, according to the CDC:
- Asymmetry: Is the mole or spot irregular in shape, and do the two parts look different?
- Borders: Are the borders irregular or jagged?
- Color: Is the color uneven?
- Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
- Development: Has the mole or spot changed in the past few weeks or months?
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