Executive Ghostwriting

Project

During my time at a national dermatology organization, I ghostwrote LinkedIn thought leadership for a senior leader. The content supported public education priorities while giving the executive a credible, accessible voice on topics connected to the organization's mission.

This article was created for Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It translated clinical information about common forms of skin cancer, warning signs, prevention, and early detection into a first-person article for a broad professional audience. The final piece connected the health information to the leader's perspective as a healthcare executive and parent.

My Role

• Translated detailed health information into accessible executive thought leadership.
• Wrote the article in a senior leader's first-person voice for LinkedIn.
• Organized complex information so readers could understand risk, warning signs, and the value of early detection.
• Balanced public education with a personal leadership perspective and a clear call to action.

Final Deliverable

Understanding Skin Cancer During Awareness Month

In May, many of us begin thinking about summer and making plans to spend more time outdoors. For those of us who work in dermatology, the month also brings an important reminder: enjoying the sun should go hand in hand with protecting our skin. Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to strengthen our understanding of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Our physicians regularly speak with patients about skin cancer risk and prevention. Those conversations often reveal how little many people know about these diseases. Even a basic understanding of risk factors and prevention can help someone identify a concern earlier, when treatment may be simpler and more effective.

The term skin cancer generally refers to three major types:

• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer begins in the basal cells of the epidermis. It often develops on areas that receive regular sun exposure and is generally the least dangerous form when detected and treated early.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This cancer forms in the squamous cells found in the middle and outer layers of the skin. It can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, although it is usually treatable, particularly when identified promptly.
• Melanoma: Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. It is less common than basal or squamous cell carcinoma but is the most serious form because it is more likely to spread if it is not detected early.

Annual skin examinations with a dermatologist are an important part of early detection. It is also helpful to know the signs and symptoms that warrant attention. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a leading risk factor, but each form of skin cancer can look different, and its appearance can vary from one person to another.

Squamous cell carcinoma often appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including the scalp, arms, backs of the hands, ears, and lips. Warning signs may include a firm red nodule, a flat or scaly sore, rough patches, or a raised sore that does not resolve.

A sore that does not heal can also be a warning sign of melanoma. Other changes may include pigment spreading beyond the border of a spot, redness or swelling around a mole, changes in surface texture, oozing or bleeding, itching, tenderness, or pain.

Basal cell carcinoma can be difficult to recognize because it does not have one uniform appearance. It may resemble a pink, brown, or dark-colored mole and may appear shiny or dull. One notable characteristic is that the area may be fragile and bleed easily.

Understanding risk factors and recognizing possible signs of skin cancer helps people advocate for their own health and gives physicians a better opportunity to detect disease early. Skin cancer is common, but many people do not receive routine dermatologic care. Making annual skin examinations a normal part of preventive healthcare can improve the chance that a suspicious area is found before the disease advances. As a parent, I understand how difficult it can be to make time for a medical appointment that may not feel urgent. Still, preventive care deserves a place on the calendar. Dermatology professionals are trained to identify these diseases at every stage. When patients and physicians work together, earlier detection and better outcomes become more achievable.