The Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will participate with the American Academy of Dermatology and the Houston Dermatological Society in hosting a free skin cancer screening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at locations in Galveston and League City.
The screenings will be held at the Stewart Road Family Health clinic, 6710 Stewart Road, Suite 100, in Galveston, and at the South Shore Dermatology Clinic, 6465 S. Shore Blvd., Suite 500, in League City. Patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. No appointment is necessary.
The UTMB screening is part of a national effort held in May, coordinated by the American Academy of Dermatology, to educate the public about the benefits of early skin cancer detection. According to the AAD, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. While the incidence of most cancers appear to be decreasing, skin cancers continue to increase. Melanoma is now the most common cancer affecting young adults 25-29 and the second most common cancer affecting those 15-29 years old.
UTMB dermatologists will screen for cancerous or precancerous growths. Those who require further attention will be referred to their own physicians for follow-up care. The clinic will provide sunscreen samples, a list of dermatologists who practice in the Galveston/Houston area and literature on how to spot suspicious skin growths.
For more information, contact the department of dermatology, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 409-772-1911.