In recognition of May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Beebe Healthcare’s Tunnell Cancer Center will provide free skin cancer screenings on Monday, May 5. Local practitioners will perform skin examinations and give recommendations for follow-up. A cancer screening nurse navigator will be onsite to educate interested individuals about skin cancer prevention.
Reservations are necessary for this popular event, and those interested should call Debbie Campbell, R.N., Cancer Screening Nurse Navigator at (302) 645-3169. The appointments can be made between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. Melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases, but the majority of skin cancer deaths. The incidences of melanoma also are increasing. The major risk factor for skin cancer is ultraviolet light, including direct sunlight, and tanning bed light exposure.
The American Cancer Society says the use of sunscreens is one defense against harmful sun rays, and sunscreens rated higher provide more protection. Examination for early detection is another way to protect ourselves. Melanoma caught in the early stage has a 90.6% survival rate.
Beebe Healthcare encourages people to protect themselves against damaging UV rays by avoiding being out in the sun in the middle of the day and by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. People also should have annual skin examinations by a healthcare provider. More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. It offers services throughout Southern Delaware including a 210-licensed-bed hospital, a cancer center, and outpatient facilities at multiple sites providing walk-in care, lab, imaging, and physical rehab services. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebehealthcare.org.
