Dermatologists Offer Free Skin Cancer Checks May 22

Area dermatologists will provide free skin checks from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22, and remind participants of the importance of skin cancer prevention measures. Local dermatologists will conduct the screenings to detect skin cancers and pre-cancerous conditions at the University Dermatology Associates, 400 Red Creek Drive in Henrietta.

This is a new location for the clinic and parking is free.

The 25th annual clinic is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, Rochester Dermatologic Society, and the Department of Dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Each screening takes about five minutes and a written report of findings will be given to each participant. Information on skin cancer and skin cancer prevention will also be available.

This is a typical melanoma on the skin.

Last year, more than 75,000 people were screened nationally, including 281 in Rochester. Locally, dermatologists diagnosed 11 cases of basal cell carcinoma and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Luckily no one was diagnosed with melanoma, the most virulent form of skin cancer. A list of dermatologists in the community is provided to anyone diagnosed with skin cancer.

Most skin cancers can be cured if they’re found early, which is why dermatologists offer the annual clinic. Excessive exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, and those with lighter complexions are at a higher risk.

Registration is not required. For more information about the free detection clinic, contact the Dermatology Department at (585) 275-3871.