Local dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings May 11-15

Skin cancer affects one in five Americans. However, skin cancer has a better than 98 percent cure rate if it is detected and treated early, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

As part of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, Dayton-area dermatologists are offering free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers during the week of May 11-15.

Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at several locations throughout the region. Because space is limited, appointments are required.

“Nationwide, dermatologists volunteer time each year to conduct free skin cancer screenings,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “Each year, millions of people get skin cancer. These screenings can help find skin cancers early when they are the most treatable and beatable.”

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. “If you see new or changing spots on your skin, see a dermatologist.”

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 73,000 cases of skin cancer in 2015. 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 screenings are sponsored by the Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine Department of Dermatology and Wright State Physicians Dermatology, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, Eucerin and Premier Health.

To schedule an appointment at the Wright State Physicians Health Center on the Wright State campus, Kettering Recreation Complex, Miami Valley Hospital South, Samaritan Sleep Center, SureCare Medical Center or Upper Valley Medical Center Cancer Care Center, call CareFinders at 1-866-608-3463.

Skin cancer screening dates and locations:

Monday, May 11
Wright State Physicians Health Center
Wright State University campus
725 University Blvd.
Fairborn, OH 45324
1-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12
Kettering Recreation Complex
2900 Glengarry Drive
Kettering, OH 45420
9-11 a.m.

SureCare Medical Center
360 W. Central Avenue
Springboro, OH 45066
1-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13
Samaritan Sleep Center
80 East Woodbury Drive
Dayton, OH 45415
9-11 a.m.

Wright State Physicians Health Center
Wright State University campus
725 University Blvd.
Fairborn, OH 45324
1-4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 14
Upper Valley Medical Center
Cancer Care Center
3130 N. County Road 25-A
Troy, OH 45373
1-4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 15
Miami Valley Hospital South
2350 Miami Valley Drive, Suite 510
Centerville, OH 45459
1-4:30 p.m.

For an appointment, call 1-866-608-3463.