The Tampa (FL) Tribune (5/1, Shedden) reports, “The American Cancer Society estimates 3.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers in 2012,” while “an additional 76,250 will be told they have melanoma, the more serious skin cancer responsible for a majority of the more than 12,000 annual deaths.” Dermatologist James Spencer, MD, chairman of the American Academy of Dermatology’s skin cancer committee, said “teens need to know the consequences of treating basal cell and squamous skin cancer can be painful.” During “Melanoma May,” Spencer and other dermatologists across the country will be pushing the message to adolescents and young adults that UV rays, whether acquired in the tanning booth or at the beach, may result in melanoma as well as in other skin cancers.
Warthan Dermatology is hosting a Free Skin Cancer Screening in our office on Thursday, May 24th from 8 am – 11 am. There is no appointment necessary! Just come on in, you will receive a thorough skin check, information on what to look out for. The AAD recommends that every adult receive a skin check once a year. Join us next week for a free screening!