On Sept. 16, when firefighters from Rhode Island Pink Heals lead a parade of national touring pink fire trucks into Garden City shopping center in Cranston to shown support for women with cancer, Dr. Ellen Frankel will be front and center.
Frankel, the medical director of Rejuvadem MediSpa on Reservoir Avenue, will be conducting skin cancer screening at the event. A dermatologist in private practice, Frankel has been public as a survivor in her fight against thyroid cancer. And, as a businesswoman, she has also become a financial sponsor of the 3rd annual Gloria Gemma Foundation’s 5K on Oct. 9.
PBN: How important is detection in screening for cancer from too much sun, in terms of prevention, survival and cost?
FRANKEL: Skin cancer screening is most important for everyone, especially those Baby Boomers who had a lot of sun exposure without the use of sun block. Every blistering sunburn increases the risk of melanoma. Early detection is important in prevention, diagnosis and early effective treatment. Early detection and treatment decreases cost of treatment, and loss of productive time. Early vigilant care and treatment is most important with any disease, but especially with skin cancer where early detection and treatment save lives.
PBN: Why have you chosen to be part of the national pink fire truck tour at Garden City?
FRANKEL: I believe it is most important to take the message “to the people.” While pink is traditionally associated with breast cancer in women, and I am a major corporate sponsor of the 5K event for the Gemma Foundation, this event also represents an opportunity to talk to women – and families – about skin cancer and prevention in general.
PBN: How has cosmetic surgery become an important component of medical care?
FRANKEL: Cosmetic surgery has become a large part of my dermatology practice, because who better than a skin specialist to see to reverse the damage done by sun exposure. People want to look and feel their best. We hope that we at Rejuvaderm MediSpa can make a significant benefit to all who wish to take advantage of our expertise.
PBN: How important is it to be vigilant? What things have you done as a business owner to push the envelope?
FRANKEL: I am an advocate of education and early detection of cancer. Being a survivor of melanoma and thyroid cancer, and having breast cancer directly impact my family, friends and employees, has prompted me to be a strong advocate and sponsor of cancer awareness.
PBN: You have been public about your recent diagnosis of thyroid cancer? Why is it important to do so?
FRANKEL: I have been so very open about my thyroid cancer because patients know their own body and know when something is not right. It took me doggedly pursuing all available treatments and doctors until I found a doctor willing to listen to me, and act. And, fortunately, as my own advocate, I am a survivor and have beaten my advanced thyroid cancer.
