Living With Skin Cancer Symposium with Seidman Cancer Center
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Format: Held Virtually via Zoom (register below)
Time: 5:30 pm ET, 4:30 pm CT, 3:30 pm MT, 2:30 pm PT
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and the risk increases with age. Yet many older adults don’t realize that changes in aging skin, certain medications, or other health conditions can increase their risk—even if they’ve been careful about sun exposure throughout their lives.
Join leading experts from Seidman Cancer Center for an informative and practical symposium designed specifically for older adults, their families, and caregivers. Through real patient case studies and expert discussion, you’ll gain a better understanding of the most common non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and learn why early detection and timely treatment are so important.
During this program, you’ll learn:
- Why skin cancer becomes more common as we age.
- The most common signs and symptoms of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
- Risk factors beyond sun exposure, including certain medications, immune suppression, and prior radiation therapy.
- Why a spot that doesn’t hurt can still be skin cancer.
- How early diagnosis can help prevent more extensive treatment and preserve quality of life.
- Practical tips for monitoring your skin and knowing when to see a healthcare provider.
- Resources and support available through AIM at Skin Cancer.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, have a history of skin cancer, are caring for a loved one, or simply want to learn how to protect your health, this free educational program will provide trusted information and the opportunity to have your questions answered by leading specialists during a live Q&A session.
Individual Presentations
Welcome and Introduction of Panelists
Ankit Mangla, MD
Co-Director, Sarcoma and Melanoma Disease Team
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Hematology and Oncology
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
Panelists:
Raisa Tikhtman, MD
Otolaryngologist
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
Kirsten Johnson, MD, PhD
Dermatologist
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
General Overview of Skin Cancer in Aging Skin
- Why skin cancer becomes more common with age
- Common myths or misconceptions
- The most common types of skin cancer in older adults
- Risk factors beyond the sun (immune suppression, medications, radiation exposure)
- Why early detection matters—even when a spot doesn’t hurt
- How skin cancer can affect quality of life if left untreated
Case Study – Basal Cell Carcinoma
Case Study – Squamous Cell Carcinoma
AIM at Skin Cancer Patient Resources
Ann Garst Taylor, CVA
Director Community Engagement
AIM at Skin Cancer
Live Q&A Session
Sunandana Chandra, MD
Medical Oncology
Northwestern University