Free Mole Screening During Melanoma Awareness Month

Spring and summer lead to longer days and more time in the great outdoors for many North Coast residents. Whether it be time spent cycling, hiking, gardening, golfing or relaxing at the beach, it also means more sun exposure and increased risk of developing skin cancer. In observation of May being Melanoma Awareness Month, St. Joseph Health Medical Group, Dermatology invites the public to a free mole check clinic on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 2350 Buhne St., Suite B, in Eureka. Farshad Dana, MD, a dermatologist at St. Joseph Health Medical Group, will check skin, freckles and moles for irregularities. No appointment or referral is needed. Dr. Dana specializes in general surgical and cosmetic dermatology. He is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. When Melanomas are diagnosed and treated in their earliest stage—confined within the top layer of skin—there is a successful cure rate. Therefore, the key to treating melanoma is recognizing the cancerous growth that often resembles a mole early. Dr. Dana recommends that everyone inspect their skin monthly and become familiar with their moles and freckles. According to the American Cancer Society, common signs of skin cancer include: asymmetric appearance; irregular or blurred borders; color that varies in different parts of a mole; diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser (.25 inch); evolving, with changes in size, shape or color over time. “While melanoma on the skin is the most common type, melanoma can actually develop anywhere, including the eyes, nasal passages, scalp, nails, feet or mouth,” says Dr. Dana. “Melanoma can metastasize or spread quickly to the brain, bones, liver and lungs, which makes it extremely dangerous. That’s why early detection and the right treatment are crucial. It’s important that you come to the mole check clinic or see your health care provider if you notice any changes in an existing mole or new or unusual looking growths on your skin.” For more information about St. Joseph Health Medical Group, Dermatology, visit www.stjosephhealthmedicalgroup.com/Our-Services/Specialty-Services/Dermatology.aspx

DATES/TIMES

WHERE

• See Event Description

PRICE

• Free / Free Open to North Coast residents