Dermatologists from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the community will conduct a free skin cancer screening from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Tuesday May 11 at the Medical Center’s dermatology clinic, ninth floor, Richard Janeway Clinical Sciences Tower.
Participants may receive a spot check or a full body examination for skin cancer and ask questions about skin care products to protect them from overexposure to the sun. Free pamphlets will be given to all that attend.
"Anyone can develop skin cancer, but fortunately it can be cured if detected early," said Phillip M. Williford, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic surgery at Wake Forest Baptist. "We are seeing more cancers in young people, and that is due in large part to overexposure to the sun and tanning beds."
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with about 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. The most serious kind of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, kills more than 7,900 people annually.
The chances of eventually getting skin cancer are one in six. Risk factors include:
- Fair skin.
- A history of work outdoors or considerable sun exposure.
- A history of childhood sunburns.
- A family history of skin cancer.
- A greater than average number of moles.
- Unusually shaped or colored moles or skin growths.
People can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by:
- Performing monthly self-examinations of the skin and getting yearly examinations by a dermatologist.
- Wearing hats and other protective clothing when outdoors.
- Applying sunscreen liberally about 20 minutes before sun exposure.
- Using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
- Reapplying sunscreen frequently, at least every two hours if you remain outdoors.
- Avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
No appointment is needed for the screening, and parking is free. Contact Health On-Call at 336-716-2255 for more information.
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Media Contacts: Lisa Long, lclong@wfubmc.edu, Shannon Koontz, shkoontz@wfubmc.edu, or Karen Richardson, krchrdsn@wfubmc.edu, at 336-716-4587.
Media Relations
Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587