Melanoma Monday® kicks off Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Local dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings May 6-10
| Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. |
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25-29-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
To raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer and to encourage early detection through self-exams, the AAD designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday®. Nationwide, people will wear orange for skin cancer awareness.
Melanoma Monday® also kicks off Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Since 1985, AAD members have conducted more than 2.1 million free skin cancer screenings.
Locally, Dayton dermatologists have joined forces and are offering free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancers during the week of May 6-10.
“One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime,” said Julian Trevino, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology in the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. If detected early, skin cancer is very treatable.”
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.
Trevino encourages people to learn how to recognize the warning signs of skin cancer. “Seek shade, cover up and wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or greater,” he said. “Look for new or changing spots on your skin. If you spot anything changing, itching or bleeding, see a dermatologist.”
Appointments for the Dayton area free skin cancer screenings are still available at various locations. Because space is limited, appointments are required.
To schedule an appointment at the Wright State University Wright State Physicians Health Center or Samaritan Sleep Center, call CareFinders at (866) 608-3463. To schedule an appointment at Kettering Sports Medicine Center, call (937) 558-3988.
The free screenings also will include optional DermaScanTM viewing, which uses ultraviolet light to reveal sun damage invisible to the naked eye.
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.
Fairborn, OH 45324
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.
Fairborn, OH 45324
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
