DAVENPORT, Iowa - April 9, 2015 -- The most common form of cancer also is one of the most treatable and preventable, but if left untreated, skin cancer can be deadly.
May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and Quad Cities residents are being urged to take advantage of a free skin cancer screening. The screening will be held from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute, located at Genesis Medical Center, 1401 West Central Park Ave.
The screening is for people who have not previously had a screening for skin cancer. Dermatologists John Bovenmeyer, M.D., Paula Giudici, M.D., Manish Kumar, M.D., Jill Lightfoot, M.D., Susan Perry, M.D., and Nicole Luszczyk, Physician Assistant, will be conducting the screening. Appointments are required and should be made by going to http://tinyurl.com/qyburno and continue as a guest. You may also call (563) 421-1955 and leave a message.
Participants should use the atrium entrance located on the West Central Park Ave. side of the hospital to attend the screening. All cosmetics on the skin should be removed prior to screening. Participants may choose to have sun-exposed areas such as arms, legs and the face evaluated, or can receive a full-body screen if they wear a swim suit under clothing.
The annual free screening is offered by Genesis and dermatologists in the region to increase public awareness about malignant melanoma and other skin cancers. Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Once malignant melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the cancer can be deadly. This cancer will cause an estimated 13,340 deaths this year. Melanoma accounts for less than 2% of all skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
Skin cancers are highly curable if detected and treated in the earliest stages.
It is important for patients to recognize changes on their skin and to have their skin examined on a regular basis by their health care provider.
If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:
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Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth.
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Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
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The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
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A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain
Risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include :
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Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
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Fair complexion
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Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
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Family history
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Multiple or atypical moles
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Severe sunburns as a child
The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.
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