Local dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings May 6-10

Local dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers during the week of May 6-10. Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at several locations throughout the region. Because space is limited, appointments are required.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “If detected early, skin cancer is very treatable.”

To schedule an appointment at the Wright State University Wright State Physicians building or Samaritan Sleep Center, call CareFinders at (866) 608-3463. To schedule an appointment at Kettering Sports Medicine Center, call (937) 558-3988.

One in five Americans will be diagnosed with a skin cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin cancer affects people of all ages and races. Everyone should learn how to recognize the warning signs,” Trevino said. “Dermatologists from the Dayton area have joined forces to offer this free screening to help educate our community about this potentially life-threatening disease and to save lives through early detection.”

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

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States. More than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with basal and squamous cell cancers each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2013. It is almost always curable when it is found in its early stages. Warning signs of melanoma include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion, or the appearance of a new growth on the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology encourages people to protect their skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or greater, seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

The free skin cancer screenings are offered annually in May as part of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention 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 and Wright State Physicians Dermatology, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, Atrium Medical Center, Eucerin, Good Samaritan Hospital, Good Samaritan North Health Center, Kettering Health Network, Miami Valley Hospital and Premier Community Health.

Skin cancer screening dates and locations

Monday, May 6

Wright State University*

Wright State Physicians

725 University Blvd.

Dayton, OH 45435

1-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 8

Samaritan Sleep Center*

80 East Woodbury Drive

Dayton, OH 45415

9-11:30 a.m.

Wright State University*

Wright State Physicians

725 University Blvd.

Dayton, OH 45435

1-4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 10

Kettering Sports Medicine Center**

4403 Far Hills Ave.

Kettering, OH 45429

9-11:30 a.m.

1-4:30 p.m.

*For appointment, call (866) 608-3463

**For appointment, call (937) 558-3988