Skin Cancer Alert: ‘Uncle Sam’ Issues Billboard Warning

By KAITLIN KEANE

MELANOMA AWARENESS

QUINCY

In the past, messages on the large billboard on Newport Avenue in Quincy have exhorted passers-by to vote, support local charities or be mindful of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

This month, billboard owner Uncle Sam Rounseville is taking on skin cancer – a topic he knows all too well.

Today, Rounseville will undergo his eighth surgery for skin cancer in the past three years. When the latest billboard goes up Friday , it will feature a picture of Rounseville after a recent surgery, bearing large bandages on his nose and cheek. Next to it, a warning: “This could be you! Skin Cancer is Real.”

Rounseville, who legally changed his name to Uncle Sam in 1990 and has supported various causes on the billboard for 12 years, said he hopes this month’s message will get people’s attention.

Rounseville said he chose to display the warning this month because it is Melanoma Awareness Month. While his surgeries have been to remove less severe forms of skin cancer such as Basel cell carcinoma, he said he wants to make people aware of the dangerous disease.

“Melanoma affects so many people but many don’t realize it,” said Rounseville, 67, who ran marathons for many years but never used sunscreen. “I think the pictures will drive home the message that skin cancer is serious.”

Beneath Rounseville’s picture is a warning to get checked regularly for skin cancer and contains a Web address for the American Academy of Dermatology.

Rounseville said he hopes people will see the message and take advantage of free screenings at local hospitals next month.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin and can be cured if detected early.

“It’s my contribution, and I think it’s really going to get some people thinking,” Rounseville said.

Kaitlin Keane may be reached at kkeane@ledger.com.

(c) 2007 Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.