As summer sun exposure continues, Mercy Health is encouraging community members to prioritize their skin health by offering free skin cancer screenings later this month in Springfield.
The screenings will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at DOCS Dermatology, 187 S. Tuttle Road in Springfield, and are free and open to the public. Appointments are required.
The following information is from a press release issued by Mercy Health:
“As summer sun exposure continues, Mercy Health is encouraging community members to prioritize their skin health by offering free skin cancer screenings on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at DOCS Dermatology, 187 S. Tuttle Road in Springfield.
“Many people spend more time outdoors during the summer, making this an ideal time to check your skin for any concerning changes,” said Shannon C. Trotter, DO, DOCS Dermatology. “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but when it’s found early, treatment is often highly successful. These free screenings are a simple step that could make a significant difference.”
“The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends adults perform regular skin self-exams and discuss any new or changing spots with a healthcare provider. Those at higher risk — including individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin, frequent sun exposure or a history of tanning bed use — should talk with a dermatologist about routine screenings.
“Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun remains the leading cause of skin cancer, but there are several ways to reduce your risk, including:
• Limiting direct sun exposure during peak UV hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
• Wearing protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors.
• Seeking shade whenever possible.
• Avoiding indoor tanning beds.“The screening event is free and open to the public. However, appointments are required. To reserve a screening, call 937-523-8617.
“The event is part of the American Academy of Dermatology’s long-standing public health effort to promote early detection of skin cancer. Since the program began in 1985, dermatologists have performed millions of free skin cancer screenings, helping identify hundreds of thousands of suspicious lesions, including melanomas, at earlier and more treatable stages.
“If you have any concerns about your skin or how you can better prevent skin cancer, head to mercy.com to learn more.”
