Free skin cancer screenings in Bend April 25th
As part of a campaign to encourage early detection and prevention of skin cancer, Bend Dermatology Clinic, Bend Memorial Clinic and St. Charles Cancer Center are teaming up to offer free screenings Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
More than 3.5 million skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually in the United States. Contributing factors can include elevation, abundant sunshine, outdoor recreation and tanning.
“Getting just one bad sunburn before you’re 18 doubles your chances of developing skin cancer,” said Joshua May, MD, a dermatologist at Bend Dermatology Clinic. “These cancer screeningsincrease access for Central Oregon residents.It allows forskin cancersto be treated in the early stages before they have progressed too far.”
Oregon has the fifth-highest rate of melanoma per capita in the nation.Women in Oregon who are diagnosed with melanomahave the second highest death rate compared to any other state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable,” said BMC board-certified dermatologist Oliver Wisco, DO, FAAD. “In addition to providing these potential life-saving screenings, we hope to increase skin cancer awareness and educate the public about the importance of prevention and early detection, including the need to apply sunscreen generously and often, wear protective clothing, avoid excessive sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and avoid tanning beds.”
The free skin cancer screenings — performed by the Bend Dermatology Clinic and Bend Memorial Clinic — will be held at Deschutes County Health Services at 2577 NE Courtney Drive in Bend. Appointments can be made at https://eventbrite.com/event/15881687555. The event is open to both insured and uninsured residents of Central Oregon.
