VNA Holds First Skin Cancer Screening

Dr William Notaro, a Newtown resident whose dermatology practice is in Danbury, donated his time and skills to the Newtown Visiting Nurse Association for its first skin cancer screening clinic last Saturday.

Twenty residents received a skin cancer screening at the clinic, which was held at no charge to Newtown residents.

Dr Notaro, a board-certified dermatologist who is associated with Danbury Hospital, stressed the importance of early detection. He said that some early warning signs of skin cancer are changes in freckles, skin discolorations, or changes in the size, color, and shape of moles.

He also noted that there are some people who will be at higher risk for contracting skin cancer, including people with fair skin, blue eyes, red or blonde hair, and people with a family history of melanoma; people who had blistering sunburns as a child; and persons who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Mae Schmidle, vice president of the Newtown VNA and co-chairman of the event, said the screening was a huge success.

“We were just overwhelmed with the turnout at this, our first-time event, and we were very much honored to have Dr Notaro provide his professional expertise and skills for the people of Newtown,” she said.

The VNA also appreciated the help Dr Notaro gave to the local organization in its effort to provide services to the community. The screening is one of a series of healthy events that the Newtown VNA is planning for the fall, she said.

Mona Lauricella, co-chairman of the skin cancer screening, said another screening will be scheduled.

“We were just overwhelmed with the number of residents seeking appointments for Saturday,” she said. “In fact, over half of our list of people seeking appointments had to be put on a waiting list. Dr Notaro has agreed to come back in the very near future to fulfill our obligation to the rest of the Newtowners on our waiting list. Wonderful doctor, great service!”

“We will be calling our waiting list soon,” she promised.