Local dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings May 9-13

One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. When it is caught early, skin cancer is treatable, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

As part of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, local Dayton-area dermatologists are offering free skin cancer screenings to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancers during the week of May 9-13. Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at 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. “We are encouraging people to check their skin, noting all spots on their bodies, including moles, freckles and age spots. Detection can help find skin cancers early when they are the most treatable and beatable.”

Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of his or her skin type, said Trevino, an adult and pediatric dermatologist with Wright State Physicians Dermatology. He encourages his patients to decrease their risk of skin cancer by seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; wearing protective clothing; generously applying water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher; using extra caution by water, snow and sand; and avoiding tanning beds.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than three million Americans are diagnosed with basal and squamous cell cancers annually. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,000 cases of skin cancer in 2016. There is a high chance of cure 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 free screenings are sponsored by the Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, Wright State Physicians Dermatology, Premier Health, and Premier Community Health, along with the American Academy of Dermatology and Eucerin.

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

Skin cancer screening dates and locations

Monday, May 9
1-4:30 p.m.
Wright State Physicians
Health Center
725 University Blvd.
Fairborn, Ohio 45324

Tuesday, May 10
1-3 p.m.
SureCare Medical Center
360 W. Central Ave.
Springboro, Ohio 45066

Wednesday, May 11
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Samaritan Sleep Center
80 E. Woodbury Drive
Dayton, Ohio 45415

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

Thursday, May 12
1-4 p.m.
Upper Valley Medical Center
Cancer Care Center/
Dugan Infusion Center
3130 N. County Road 25A
Troy, Ohio 45373

Friday, May 13
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Miami Valley Hospital South
Suite 510
2350 Miami Valley Drive
Centerville, Ohio 45459

1-4:30 p.m.
Miami Valley Hospital South
Suite 510
2350 Miami Valley Drive
Centerville, Ohio 45459

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