Dermatologists offer free skin cancer screenings May 12–16

More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in more than 2 million people in the United States this year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dermatologists are offering free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers during the week of May 12–16. Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at several locations throughout the region. Because space is limited, appointments are required.

“It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “Not only is skin cancer preventable, it is highly treatable when detected early.”

Exposure to ultraviolet light is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. “You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by seeking shade, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds,” 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 viewing, which uses ultraviolet light to reveal sun damage invisible to the naked eye.

According to the American Cancer Society, 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 76,000 cases of skin cancer in 2014. 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.

Schedule an appointment by calling 1-866-608-3463.

Skin cancer screening dates and locations

Monday, May 12
1–4:30 p.m.: Wright State Physicians Health Center, Wright State campus

Wednesday, May 14
9–11 a.m.: Samaritan Sleep Center

1:30–4:30 p.m.: Wright State Physicians Health Center, Wright State campus

Thursday, May 15
9–11 a.m.: Miami Valley Hospital South

1:30–4:30 p.m.: Upper Valley Medical Center

Friday, May 16
9–11:30 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m.: Claybourne Building

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, Eucerin, Good Samaritan Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital, Premier Health and Upper Valley Medical Center.