| SCHAUMBURG, IL– This year marks the 25th anniversary of the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) National Skin Cancer Screening Program and this Saturday, May 15, many dermatologists are offering free screenings. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, killing one person every hour. Melanoma is often successfully treated - if it's detected in time. |  |
Since the program's inception in 1985, more than 2 million screenings have been conducted and more than 21,000 suspected melanomas have been detected. "The goal of the AAD National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program is to save lives. We're certain that there are people who are alive today because they received a skin cancer screening," said Dr. David Pariser, AAD President.
At your free screening, after completing some paperwork, the physician will typically ask you if there is any particular mole or skin lesion that you would like checked. They physician will check as much of your skin as possible. Some centers will have privacy where the physician can check your entire body while others do not so that the physician will only be able to check the exposed areas of your skin.
There is no blood taken, urine samples, nor blood pressure screening at these exams. The physician will mark on the screening form if there are any suspicious lesions or moles that you should have examined further or have removed. You will be given a copy of this form to take with you. The free screenings happen all year long, but many dermatologists perform them in May for National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. To find a skin cancer screening visit the AAD's website and enter your zip code.
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