Free Skin Cancer Screenings Coming To Northern Minnesota This Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to shedding light on early detection, sun safety, and the steps people can take to reduce their risk.

It's an important month because skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and the numbers behind that distinction are worth paying attention to.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in this country.

Over the years, I've been treated for skin cancer, as have people I know, and I'm betting that is the case for a majority of people. But there is good news regarding skin cancer prevention and detection.

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This is especially important when it comes to Melanoma, the most dangerous form because of its high likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body if not treated early. While it represents only 1% of skin cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Experts estimate that about 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. every day. Early detection is crucial, especially with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings At Duluth Family Medicine Clinic

While melanoma may be the most dangerous form of skin cancer, when caught early, it has a five-year survival rate of 99%. That number makes early detection one of the most powerful tools available, and this is the case with all forms of skin cancers.

Now, Essentia Health in Duluth clinic is making it do just that, and it won't cost you a thing.

On Monday, May 18, the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic will host Melanoma Monday, offering free skin cancer screenings to community members from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Availability is limited, so an appointment is required.

Call (218) 723-1112 to schedule your appointment now. The clinic is located at 330 N. Eighth Avenue E. in Duluth.

Skin Cancer Prevention and What To Look For On Your Own Skin

Dermatologists consistently recommend limiting sun exposure during peak hours, wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, covering up with protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, and, perhaps most importantly, performing routine self-exams and scheduling regular professional screenings.

It's important to know what to look for when performing a self-exam. According to Essentia Health, a potentially problematic mole could show one or more of the following signs:

• It is asymmetrical in shape
• It has an irregular or poorly defined border
• It has varying colors within the same spot
• It is larger than six millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a pencil eraser
• It regularly changes in size, shape, or color

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If you notice any of these signs, scheduling a screening is strongly recommended. The May 18 Melanoma Monday event at Duluth Family Medicine Clinic is a free, convenient opportunity to do exactly that.

Spots are limited, so call (218) 723-1112 to make your appointment sooner rather than later.