Free skin cancer screening at Riverside Shore Cancer Center on June 21

NASSAWADOX VA – As summer days in the sun get started, the Riverside Shore Cancer Center emphasizes sun protection and offers a free skin cancer screening.

More than 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S., including more than 100,000 new cases of the deadliest skin cancer, melanoma.

Although melanoma is highly curable when detected and treated early, one American will die from it almost every hour. Nearly all cases of skin cancer are related to sun exposure.

Experts agree that any tanning or reddening of the skin indicates damage which could turn to cancer in the future. Prevention is the best defense, whether by wearing sunscreen or by covering up with clothing.

Early detection of suspicious skin areas can mean the difference between a simple removal of the affected area and a life-threatening battle against widespread cancer. A periodic head-to-toe skin check is the most effective route to early detection.

A survey commissioned by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) showed that less than one-third of Americans currently examine their skin for signs of cancer and that more than half do not know what those signs are.

Riverside Shore Cancer Center is holding a free skin cancer screening event on June 21 from 4:30 to 7:30p.m. Nurse Practitioners will perform skin checks and will recommend follow up action if any is needed.

Appointments are required for the screening event. Call 414-8355 for an appointment.

In between regular visits with a primary care provider or dermatologist, patients can use to the AAD’s acronym for early detection of skin cancer: “ABCDE” means to look for a skin irregularity that is Asymmetric or lopsided, with an irregular Border, with Color that is uneven (shades of brown, tan or black are present), with a Diameter wider than a pencil eraser or that is Evolving into a different color, shape or size. Any one of these five qualities is a good reason to make an appointment for a skin check.