Doctor says education a key to fighting cancer

One of the newest dermatology offices in Henderson also is headed by the first woman in Nevada to do Mohs surgery. Dr. Miriam Bettencourt is one of only a handful of dermatologist in Southern Nevada, and the only woman in the area who performs Mohs surgery -- a procedure for skin cancer patients.

Bettencourt moved to Henderson from Florida more than two years ago to join a local clinic. However, in November, the former chief resident of dermatology at Duke University opened the doors to her own private practice at 601 Whitney Ranch Drive, Building C, Suite 13.

"I feel like this practice is a tribute to my patients who followed me here," she said.

The practice offers services for a wide variety of skin issues, including rashes, acne, skin cancer and cosmetic procedures such as Botox.

"You can look at a patient and make a diagnosis. It is very rewarding," the Brazilian-born doctor said.

Bettencourt has one of only a few Mohs machines in Nevada. The machine is used to analyze skin samples taken from skin cancer patients. Mohs surgery uses a skin mapping technique to cut away cancerous cells. The procedure is generally done on areas where people want less scaring or tissue removal, such as the face, hands and ears.

"It spares normal tissue. It has the highest level of success," Bettencourt said. "It's a more precise method of treating cancer."

Mohs surgery can have a success rate of up to 99 percent in basal and squamous cell carcinomas. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those are the two most common forms of skin cancer while the third type, malignant melanoma, is the most deadly.

"The incidence of skin cancer is climbing -- it's going through the roof," Bettencourt said.

This is particularly true in the Sun Belt states, where people are exposed to UV rays more frequently. There are three reasons Bettencourt said that skin cancer is on the rise: ozone depletion, lack of education and tanning beds.

"It can be the same or more harmful than the sun. There's no such thing as a safe tan," she said. "The younger people are more careless."

Bettencourt does work in the community to promote skin health. She regularly offers free screenings to Sun City residents in the MacDonald Ranch and Anthem neighborhoods.

"I love educating people (about dermatological issues)," she said.


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