Karen Drew Features Dr. Steven Grekin and Mohs Surgeon Dr. Michael Whitworth in Broadcast on the Prevention, Early Detection and Advanced Treatments of Skin Cancer 

Detroit’s Channel 4 News Anchor Karen Drew has been very open in sharing with her viewers her recent journey with basal cell carcinoma, one of the most common forms of skin cancer. Drew is the anchor of Local 4 News First at 4, and is also an award-winning investigative reporter.

“I want to share how I detected the cancer,” said Drew, who found a mark on her cheek that concerned her. “It was a dry, flaky spot that started to bleed sometimes when I washed my face. That may not seem like much, but my dad died from melanoma, so I’ve been going in for yearly checkups and carefully examining every mark and mole on my skin, worried it might happen to me.”

I went to my dermatologist, Dr. Steven Grekin, Founder of Grekin Skin Institute which is part of Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, to get it checked out. A small biopsy was taken and it came back as basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

One in five people in the U.S. will get skin cancer in their lifetime, making it cancer’s most common type. “There are roughly 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually, so what I was dealing with wasn’t unique, but I’m sharing my story as a reminder for everyone to get their skin checked,” said Drew.

“Not all basal cell carcinomas have the same appearance. They can appear as an open sore, a shiny bump, a reddish patch or irritated area, or maybe a scar-like area that is flat white or yellow in color.

“Dr. Michael Whitworth was my surgeon for Mohs Surgery, a fairly fast in-office procedure where they numb your skin, mark the spot and remove thin layers, one layer at a time. The doctor then examines the layer under the microscope to make sure all the cancer is gone,” said Drew.

Mohs is a highly effective treatment often used to remove skin cancer in visible or sensitive areas including the face.

For Drew, it took two skin layer removals to remove all the cancer.

“Bandaged up, the doctor told me to come back in six days to get the stitches out. Back at work, I have a lesson and a story to share: use 30+ SPF sunblock, reapply, limit sun exposure and get your skin checked.”

Five days after her surgery, the great news is that Drew was “doing alright, and the cancer is gone.”

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