BMC offers free skin cancer screenings

Bend Memorial Clinic and Deschutes Dermatology Center will be offering free skin cancer screenings in an effort to encourage early detection and prevention of skin cancer.

This is in conjunction with other central Oregon community screenings that have been offered in the past through the American Academy of Dermatology. The free screenings will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 8:00-10:00 am at Bend Memorial Clinic’s Dermatology offices located at 2600 NE Neff Rd. in Bend.

Screenings are only available by appointment.Sign up for screenings by visiting the event calendar onwww.bendmemorialclinic.comor call 541.706.2370. The event is open to both insured and uninsured residents of central Oregon.

“Sun damage is cumulative and happens during our daily activities like walking our dog, watching our kid’s soccer game, going for a jog, even mowing the lawn; it’s important that people know preventative measures to take while outdoors,” said Dr. Angela Covington, Dermatologist at BMC. “Making a skin cancer screening part of your annual routine will not only ensure you are identifying any current skin problems, but that you are preventing future ones.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when detected in its earliest stages, melanoma is highly curable. The average five-year survival rate for individuals whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.

Early detection isessential. Dermatologists recommend a regular self-examination of the skin to detect changes in its appearance. Additionally, patients with risk factors should have a complete skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist annually.

Bend Memorial Clinic dermatology providers participating in the screenings include:

Angela Covington, MD

James Hoesly, MD

Gerald Peters, MD FACMS

Ann Reitan, PA-C

Deschutes Dermatology Center providers participating in the screenings include:

Carrie Baxter, PA-C