MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide free skin cancer screenings at 2017 TOUR Championship

Complimentary sunscreen, sunglasses, SPF 30 lip balm, shaded bleachers also available to protect spectators from sun’s harmful rays

MD Anderson News Release September 13, 2017

As the official cancer center of the PGA TOUR, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will provide complimentary skin cancer screenings for spectators at the TOUR Championship, Sept. 21-24 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. MD Anderson encourages spectators to take advantage of other sun-safe fan enhancements at the tournament, including free SPF 50 sunscreen stations around the course and shaded public seating.

The free skin cancer screenings will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. They will be conducted in a convenient, private area of the So Cool Zone, located between Nos. 14 and 15 at East Lake Golf Club by Susan Chon, M.D., associate professor, Dermatology, 12-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.

“Cancer prevention is critically important to MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer,” said Chon. “We have witnessed high demand for skin cancer screenings and are pleased to provide this service for the first time at the TOUR Championship. By dedicating 10 minutes for these screenings, spectators will walk away with valuable insight into their personal risk for skin cancer.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and one of the most preventable. To protect spectators from the sun while at the tournament, MD Anderson is providing shaded public bleachers on the 15th and 18th greens. Spectators also may visit MD Anderson’s Strike Through Cancer Wall, near the Fan Zone and No. 16 tee, for free sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses and SPF 30 lip balm.

“We’re proud to have MD Anderson provide free skin cancer screenings to fans at this year’s TOUR Championship and help educate fans on the importance of proper sun safety,” said TOUR Championship Executive Director Tom Clark. “The shaded public bleachers and free sunscreen stations located throughout the course provide additional sun-safe options for spectators to enjoy the tournament.”

As part of its educational outreach initiative, MD Anderson will host a Sun and Skills Youth Clinic for participants from The First Tee of East Lake and The First Tee of Atlanta during tournament week. While in Atlanta, MD Anderson also will host its signature Making Cancer History® Seminar, 8:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 103 West. To register for the seminar, email events@mdanderson.org.

For more information on MD Anderson and the PGA TOUR, visit mdanderson.org/golf.