Free Skin Cancer Screenings Administered Across the US Throughout May

By Jenn Loro - 02 May '16 13:48PM

May is designated as the National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. And the first Monday of the month which falls on May 2 is widely observed as 'Melanoma Monday'. The awareness month is purposely designated to make people more skin cancer-conscious and encourage them to get regular dermatological health check-up.

While majority of skin cancers are relatively not fatal, other types can be deadly such as the case of melanoma which accounts for almost 75% of all skin cancer deaths as per WhatHealth report. This skin cancer is mostly common among young adults who are 25 to 29 years old.

Statistical figures estimate that one in every fifty Americans are in danger of developing malignant melanoma. Apparently, it is becoming real public health concern prompting various healthcare institutions and medical facilities across the United States to offer free screening.

"Melanoma is almost always curable when found in its very early stages, and screenings are one of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early," remarked Dr. David Deisher of Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery as quoted by Market Wired.

"Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it causes most skin cancer deaths. The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color."

Just in case you failed to get free screening on Monday or within the month of May, the American Academy of Dermatology offers a list of numerous locations where people can get free screenings on a regular basis either through walk-in or by appointment.

"If it's caught early, [melanoma is] quite preventable and treatable. If it's caught late then it's much harder and it can be deadly," said Dr. Daniel Aires of University of Kansas Medical Center in a constant reminder to people to stay skin cancer-conscious at all times as quoted by MoneyTalks News.

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