The American Academy of Dermatologists wants to warn you about the danger of sun exposure. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated one American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The AAD sets aside the first Monday of May as "Melanoma Monday," a day when dermatologists offer free skin cancer screenings. The free screenings have detected more than 188,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 21,500 suspected melanomas, since 1985.
This year the organization is launching a social media campaign called #LookingGoodin2016. They are encouraging everyone to make sure to check their skin for signs of cancer and to protect it for the sun's ultraviolet rays.
To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, the CDC recommends:
- Staying in the shade, especially during midday hours
- Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Using sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection
- Avoiding indoor tanning
To see pictures of what the four types of skin cancers look like click here.
Free skin cancer screenings are occurring Monday at the following locations.
CLEARWATER
Morton Plant Mease Hospital
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion
Meeting Rooms A&B
455 Pinellas Street
Screening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration required. For an appointment, call (727) 953-6877.
NEW PORT RICHEY
Cares Senior Center
6640 Van Buren St
Screening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Walk-Ins welcomed.
New Image Dermatology
5534 Gulf Dr #1
Screening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Information: (727) 847-3992
SARASOTA
University Park Dermatology
8451 N Shade Ave Suite 205
Walk-Ins welcomed. Info: (941) 360-2477
TAMPA
USF Dermatology
Morsani Building, 6th Floor
13330 USF Laurel Dr.
Screening hours: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Walk-Ins welcomed. Info: (813) 974-4744
TARPON SPRINGS
Florida Hospital North Pinellas
1501 S Pinellas Ave, Suite T
Screening hours: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration required. For an appointment, call (727) 934-6797
If you are unable to make it to a free Melanoma Monday skin cancer screening event, members of the American Society for Dematogic Surgery are offering skin cancer screenings throughout the year. You can search for one near you in Florida at: asds.net/find_volunteer_results.aspx?state=FL&zip=
