The Sun Bus Visits Richland County

Did you happen to notice the big yellow Sun Bus parked at the Richland County Health Department on Holly Street in Sidney, during the weekend of Aug. 24-25? Thanks to the efforts of the Richland County Cancer Coalition, The Sun Bus, from Aurora, CO, made its way to Sidney on that very hot weekend.

The Sun Bus is a mobile clinic offering free skin cancer screenings and sun safety education. Operated by the Colorado Melanoma Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, its mission is to create a future where skin cancer is preventable, detectable, and treatable, regardless of one's socioeconomic status or geographical location. Through mobile services and educational outreach, The Sun Bus empowers communities with vital knowledge about sun safety, encourages early detection of skin cancers, and aims to reduce skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Since its inception in 2019, The Sun Bus has traveled across 11 states, providing screenings from February to November.

While the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends annual skin checks, many people face barriers to accessing care. Fortunately, Kynzie Oliver, PA-C, Billings, MT, returned to her hometown of Sidney to assist with this event, enthusiastically giving back to the community.

One of the most eye-opening features of The Sun Bus is a sophisticated camera that highlights sun damage on the face and demonstrates how sunscreen can protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The camera not only scans the face but also provides a glimpse into what your skin may look like in the future if sun safety measures aren't taken seriously.

For many Richland County residents, traveling long distances to see a dermatologist is a challenge. Heather Nevins, Richland County Health Department Cancer Control Program coordinator, first heard about The Sun Bus at the Montana State Cancer Coalition meeting last year. She brought the idea back to the Richland County Cancer Coalition, where it was met with excitement. After completing the County Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), the coalition recognized a significant gap: there are no dermatologists in the area, leaving many residents without skin cancer screenings. This gap aligned perfectly with the coalition's goal of increasing cancer screening opportunities, including for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and skin cancers, using nationally recognized guidelines.

During the 2-day event, 98 people were screened on The Sun Bus, with 35 receiving referrals for further evaluation. Conditions identified for follow-up included actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and dysplastic nevi. Survey results revealed that many participants do not regularly practice sun-safe behaviors, such as wearing sunscreen or hats when outdoors. It's important to remember that sunscreen is necessary year-round-even on cloudy days, and while driving, UV rays can penetrate windshields, causing skin damage.

This successful event would not have been possible without the dedicated volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly. Special thanks go to Kynzie Oliver, who managed to screen everyone with minimal wait times. The teamwork among all involved was a testament to the community's spirit.

The Richland County Cancer Coalition extends its gratitude to the Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative Foundation, Foundation for Community Care, Richland County Health Department, and Sidney Health Center for their financial support. A special thanks also goes to Pizza Hut for providing food for the volunteers.

The coalition's goal is to bring The Sun Bus back next year! For more information about The Sun Bus, visit http://www.thesunbus.org.