Skin Cancer Awareness, Longevity Planning, and Personalized Care in the Tri-Cities
As we head into the heart of summer in Eastern Washington, it’s time to talk about more than sunburns—we’re diving into skin cancer awareness, longevity goals, and how personalized care is transforming patient lives in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. This week’s insights come straight from our July social media series and patient conversations.
Understanding Skin Cancer: Risk, Reality, and Prevention
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. It’s also one of the most preventable. At Empowered Health, we emphasize year-round skin checks, daily SPF, and education about UV exposure.
Key Fact: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common non-melanoma skin cancers—and both are strongly linked to cumulative sun exposure.
Scientific Insight: Ultraviolet radiation damages DNA in skin cells, causing mutations. Over time, this leads to uncontrolled cell growth—aka cancer. Melanoma, while less common, is far more deadly and requires early detection.
Quote from Dr. Schneider:
"Every mole and freckle tells a story. Skin is an organ—it reflects both our health and our environment."
📍 Local Tip: Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist—Tri-Cities Dermatology and Kadlec clinics are great resources. Empowered Health offers visual skin screenings as part of our concierge evaluations.
Empowered Health's Mole Mapping Service with SkinIO
We’re proud to offer mole mapping as a cutting-edge skin cancer detection tool. Using SkinIO, a secure, AI-assisted technology, we perform a full-body photographic scan that maps every mole and lesion—tracking changes over time and flagging new or suspicious areas for review.
Why It Matters:
- Early detection = early intervention
- High-risk patients (family history, lots of moles, previous skin cancer) benefit most
- Saves time and uncertainty—your physician has a precise visual record
Membership Info:
- Included in the Health Optimizer Membership
- Add-on service for Foundational Members
This service is performed in our clinic and takes just 20 minutes. Our clinical team reviews the scans alongside your health history and risk factors.
Dr. Monié’s Note:
"SkinIO empowers our team to go beyond surface-level checks. It’s another tool in our commitment to precision, prevention, and peace of mind."
Longevity Goals – What They Are and Why They Matter
Longevity isn’t about living forever—it’s about living well, longer. At Empowered Health, we help patients map out their personalized plan to extend their healthspan, not just lifespan.
Longevity Planning Includes:
- Precision lab tracking (inflammation, nutrient levels, metabolic health)
- Early screenings for skin cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive health
- Lifestyle medicine: nutrition, sleep, strength training, supplements
Expert Insight: Studies show that 80% of chronic disease is preventable with early interventions. When patients understand their risks—like elevated CRP or low vitamin D—they can take action.
Try It: Use our Longevity Risk Calculator to assess your baseline. Ask yourself:
- How many minutes of moderate exercise do I get weekly?
- Do I eat 5+ servings of vegetables daily?
- How is my sleep quality?
- When was my last lab panel or skin check?
- Do I have a primary care provider who truly knows me?
Interpretation:
- 4–5 YES: You’re on track—keep reinforcing healthy habits.
- 2–3 YES: Great start—let’s tighten up your health strategy.
- 0–1 YES: Time to prioritize—you deserve care that looks deeper.
Patient Spotlight: Meet Mark, Age 58, Kennewick
Mark came to Empowered Health for help with fatigue and brain fog. After comprehensive labs, we discovered low testosterone, low vitamin D, and elevated inflammation markers.
✅ We introduced:
- Bioidentical hormone replacement
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition coaching
- Skin screening (a precancerous lesion was caught early)
Today, Mark has more energy, clearer thinking, and feels more in control of his future.
Mark says:
"I didn’t realize how much my body was trying to tell me. Empowered Health gave me answers and a plan."
Myth Buster: Skin Checks Are Only for Older Adults
False! Skin changes can happen at any age. Teens using tanning beds and young adults with intense sun exposure are at risk, too. Routine checks—especially for those with family history or many moles—can be life-saving.
Pro Tip: "Take photos of your skin in good light once a year—face, back, legs, arms. Use these to track changes and show your provider."
Take the Next Step
If you’ve never had a skin check or want to start your own longevity strategy, we’re here to help. Empowered Health offers personalized primary care that blends science, compassion, and prevention.
Schedule your inquiry call today to explore membership options in Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick.
Paul Monié, MD, FAAFP, MPH
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
Five Most Important Areas of Men's Health
Subscribe to our series, "Optimizing Men's Health" for information on the top five areas men need to pay attention to TODAY to promote and improve their longevity.