Area dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings May 7-11

Local dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers during the week of May 7-11. Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at several locations throughout the region.  Because space is limited, appointments are required.

To schedule an appointment at the Wright State University, Atrium Medical Center, Samaritan Sleep Center or Miami Valley Hospital South locations, call CareFinders at (866) 608-3463. To schedule an appointment at the Conover Health Plus, Greene Memorial Hospital or Kettering Sports Medicine Center locations, call (937) 558-3988. The deadline to schedule appointments is May 4.

“Skin cancer affects people of all races and colors, so everyone should learn how to recognize the warning signs,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the WSU Department of Dermatology. “If something looks suspicious, a screening can save your life. Skin cancer is very treatable if it’s found early.

“Dermatologists from across the Dayton region team up every year to raise awareness and offer these free screenings because we know this can save lives,” he said.

The free screenings will also include optional DermaScan™ viewing, which uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reveal sun damage invisible to the naked eye.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012.

Melanoma is almost always curable when it is found in its very early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers and causes most skin cancer deaths. It accounts for almost 9,000 of the nearly 12,000 skin cancer deaths each year.

The best way to prevent or lower the risk of skin cancer is to practice sun safety by limiting sun exposure and protecting the skin with proper clothing and sunscreens.

The screenings are offered annually each May as part of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month to promote early detection and teach prevention of skin cancer. The free screenings are sponsored by the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, Atrium Medical Center, Conover Health Plus, Elizabeth Place, Good Samaritan Hospital, Good Samaritan North Health Center, Greene Memorial Hospital, Kettering Medical Center, Kettering Sports Medicine Center, Miami Valley Hospital and Premier Community Health.

Skin cancer screening dates and locations
Monday, May 7          
Conover Health Plus*
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Wright State University**
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8          
Greene Memorial Hospital*
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Atrium Medical Center Women’s Center**
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9
Samaritan Sleep Center**
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Miami Valley Hospital South**
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10       
Miami Valley Hospital South**
9 – 11:30 a.m.
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 11           
Kettering Sports Medicine Center*
9 – 11:30 a.m.
1 – 4:30 p.m.

*For appointment call (937) 558-3988
**For appointment call (866) 608-3463