Nevada Regional Medical Center is hosting a free skin cancer screening on Tuesday, May 27th, from 8 am until noon. Participants must call to register for a time slot at 417-448-3801.
Each May, awareness is brought forward regarding the warning signs of skin cancer. It is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetime. Approximately 9,500 new diagnosis are made each day. However, it is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.
Some of the most common risk factors are:
– Skin that burns easily
– Blonde or red hair
– History of excessive sun exposure
– Tanning bed use
– Immune suppressing diseases or treatments
– History of skin cancer
Take precautions in protecting your skin by wearing protective clothing, seek shade when outside, wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and avoid tanning bed usage. If you have moles or other skin spots, keep note of the following: changes in size, shape, and color of moles or other skin lesions; new moles or growths on the skin; and sores that don’t heal, itch, or bleed. Signs of melanoma can include changes in asymmetry, border, color, or size. If you notice changes, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.