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Toms River, N.J. April 30, 2008 – According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than one million cases diagnosed each year.
There are three main types of skin cancers. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common and rarely become life threatening with early detection and treatment. Melanoma, while not as common, can become life threatening if it is not recognized and treated early.
Examining your skin, recognizing any noticeable changes, and reporting them to your doctor is an important step in maintaining healthy skin. Possible signs of skin cancer can include changes in a mole, a sore that does not heal, a skin growth that increases in size, or a spot that continues to itch, hurt, or scab.
People with fair skin, red or blond hair, green or blue eyes and freckles have a much greater risk of sunburn, a precursor that can lead to skin cancer. In addition, heredity is also a melanoma risk factor, since one in every ten patients diagnosed has a family member with a history of the disease.
The J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center will offer a free skin cancer screening to the general public on Wednesday, May 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. in the hospital’s auditorium. The screening is free, but appointments are requested.
Skin cancer is harder to stop once it has spread to other parts of the body; however, when diagnosed early, it can be successfully treated and often cured. While self examination is important to check for any skin changes, a professional screening is also important to catch melanoma at its earliest stages.
This screening is part of a national campaign to encourage early detection and teach prevention of skin cancer. The public is encouraged to make an appointment for this valuable screening by calling 1-888-SBHS-123.
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