Long-term residents of Southern Utah are all-too familiar with the term "downwinder," a euphemism of sorts that refers to those who lived here when the U.S. government conducted atmospheric atomic weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site between 1951 and 1962.Perhaps less well known are the federally funded RESEP (Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program) and RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) services designed to help downwinders deal with the higher cancer rates that resulted from increased radiation exposure. Dixie Regional Medical Center currently provides these services.

RESEP clinic services are available to those who qualify under federal law - generally defined as those who lived in downwind counties (Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Washington and Wayne counties in Utah, as well as parts of Arizona and Nevada) for one year between 1951 and 1958, or who lived here during July of 1962.

The RESEP clinic has two components. The first is a free physical.

"This is not like a regular annual physical," explained Rebecca Barlow, project director. "We look at the skin, feel the lymph nodes, and check the thyroid, urine, breasts and prostate for signs of cancer. We may also refer patients for screening tests like mammograms and colonoscopy."

The second component is education.

"A lot of people downplay education, but it is as important as the physical exam," Barlow said. "We teach people how to decrease their cancer risk, and help them identify potential genetic risk. We also help them understand how to be proactive in paying attention to symptoms and staying current on screening tests in the future."

Barlow pointed out that many doctors don't check specifically for cancers when performing a general exam.

"It is important that downwinders in particular keep track of their screening numbers - not just the results," she said.For example, a PSA test may come back in the normal range and not raise a red flag for a physician. But if the number has elevated since the last test, there may be reason for concern.

Federal RECA payments in the amount of $50,000 are generally available to those who lived in qualifying counties between 1951 and 1958 for two years, or during the month of July 1962, and who subsequently developed certain types of cancer.

"Not all cancers are covered," Barlow said. "For instance, breast cancer is, but prostate is not. We are bound by federal law on what cancers qualify. Other diseases that may or may not be linked to exposure are not covered, including things like lupus and chronic fatigue."

In addition to downwinders, cancer patients who were uranium workers may qualify for $150,000, and those who worked onsite for $75,000.

Dixie Regional provides help to those who need assistance in applying for RECA compensation.

"One misconception is that you have to be alive to apply," Barlow said. "Surviving family members may also qualify."

If you have questions about RESEP or RECA services, contact the clinic at Dixie Regional Medical Center at 251-2875. At Valley View Medical Center, contact Cheryl Bellomo at 868-5685.

Living Well represents a collaboration among health care professionals, The Foundation of Dixie Regional Medical Center (a nonprofit hospital) and The Spectrum. Contact 251-2108 for more information.