Skin Cancer Screening

More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The most serious type of skin cancer - melanoma - will kill nearly 8,420 people this year. That means one American dies from melanoma almost every hour.

Fortunately, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if detected early. But according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, most Americans don't know the warning signs of melanoma and only about a third even know what melanoma is. The survey also found that fewer than one-third examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.

That's why the American Academy of Dermatology designated the first Monday in May is Melanoma Monday, to raise awareness of melanoma and urge Americans to regularly examine their skin for signs of this serious form of skin cancer.

A free melanoma/skin cancer screening will take place on annually in conjunction with the Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The screenings will be staffed by local dermatologists and their assistants. Screenings take only 10 minutes and could save lives.