Free Skin Cancer Screening Exams
MD Anderson News Release April 22, 2014
UT MD Anderson provides free exams on May 10
MD Anderson News Release 04/22/14
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will offer free skin cancer screening exams to the public on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cancer Prevention Center at the Duncan Building. The building is located on the MD Anderson campus within the Texas Medical Center at 1155 Pressler Street, Floor 2. Free parking is available.
The screening will include a full-body exam, but participants are not required to undergo the complete exam if it is not desired. Each participant will receive a copy of his or her screening results.
Appointments are not available for these free screenings and exams are offered on a first come, first served basis.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer, but it’s also highly preventable,” said Susan Chon, M.D., assistant professor in MD Anderson’s Department of Dermatology and coordinator for the citywide screening event. “Everyone should remember to wear sunscreen daily and avoid the mid-day sun – especially in Texas.”
Most skin cancers are basal and squamous cell cancers, which are the easiest skin cancers to treat. But, a growing number are melanoma, a less common and more aggressive type of skin cancer. Since 1950, new melanoma cases in the United States have increased by 600 percent.
“Along with skin exams, practice awareness,” Chon said. “Pay attention to your body so you’ll notice changes and report them to your doctor without delay.”
Participants who may need follow-up care will be referred to a list of local dermatologists.
To access the free parking, attendees should use the parking entrance on the West side of Bertner St.
Along with offering a wide range of screening and early detection services, MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center offers personalized risk-reduction strategies and prevention programs.
Physicians in the Houston Dermatological Society will perform the screenings. The American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Dermatology and Houston Dermatological Society are co-sponsoring the event.
For a list of additional free skin cancer screening locations, visit the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society sites.
Melanoma is a cancer that MD Anderson is initially targeting as part of its Moon Shots Program, which seeks to dramatically reduce cancer deaths.