Free skin cancer screening event set for May 6-10

Julian Trevino, chair of dermatology at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, has organized the free skin cancer screening event for more than 20 years.

As part of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, local Dayton-area dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancers during the week of May 6-10.

Morning and afternoon appointments will be available at locations throughout the region. The free screenings are sponsored by the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, Wright State Physicians and Premier Health along with the American Academy of Dermatology and Eucerin.

“Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “During Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, we are encouraging people to regularly check their skin and note all spots on their bodies, including moles, freckles, age spots and any spots that are persistently sore and do not heal. When caught early, skin cancer is treatable and beatable.”

The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. More than 3 million Americans are diagnosed with basal and squamous cell cancers annually, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2019, more than 96,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed, and more than 7,000 people will die from melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.

“There is a high chance of cure when melanoma is found in its early stages,” said Trevino, who has organized the free skin cancer screening event for more than 20 years. “Warning signs of melanoma include changes in size, shape, color or bleeding of a mole.”

Trevino, an adult and pediatric dermatologist with Wright State Physicians, recommends people check their skin at least once a month. They should check any moles, blemishes or birthmarks from the top of the head to the toes. If they find anything concerning, they should make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Trevino encourages patients to prevent 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 every few hours when outdoors; using extra caution when by water, snow and sand; and avoiding use of tanning beds.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call CareFinders at 1-866-608-3463.

Screenings will be held at Atrium Medical Center, Coffman Family YMCA, Premier Health Urgent Care, Miami Valley Hospital Sleep Center Dayton, Upper Valley Medical Center Cancer Care Center Dugan Infusion Center and Wright State Physicians Health Center.

Skin cancer screening dates and locations

 Monday, May 6
9 a.m. – noon
Miami Valley Hospital Sleep Center Dayton
80 East Woodbury Dr.
Dayton, OH 45415

1 – 4 p.m.
Coffman Family YMCA
88 Remick Blvd.
Springboro, OH 45066

Tuesday, May 7
9 a.m. – noon
Premier Health Urgent Care
6071 Far Hills Ave.
Centerville, OH 45459

Wednesday, May 8
8 a.m. – noon
Atrium Medical Center
Second Floor, Pain Center
1 Medical Center Dr.
Middletown, OH 45005

1 – 4 p.m.
Premier Health Urgent Care
8 Prestige Plaza Dr.
Miamisburg, OH 45342

Thursday, May 9
9 a.m. – noon
1 – 4 p.m.
Upper Valley Medical Center
Cancer Care Center
Dugan Infusion Center
3130 N. County Rd. 25-A
Troy, OH 45373

Friday, May 10
9 a.m. – noon
1 – 4 p.m.
Wright State Physicians Health Center
725 University Blvd.