VIRGINIA BEACH — City residents will have two opportunities in the coming days to take advantage of a free skin cancer screening when the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination: Healthy Skin RV rolls into town.
The first opportunity will be Sunday during the Beach Music Cruise-In, from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at 209 30th Street. The second will be Tuesday at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, 3640 Dam Neck Road from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
While the screenings are free, they will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to the Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and the numbers continue to rise. It’s estimated that one-in-five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
“Getting a professional skin exam could save your life,” said Dr. Padman Menon, a Virginia dermatologist and spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when it’s detected early. Early detection of skin cancer is key to the most minimal and cost-effective treatment with the highest chance of a cure.”
It’s important to remember, he said, that anyone can get skin cancer regardless of race, ethnicity or skin tone.
Patients will be screened for the most common types of skin cancers and pre-cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and actinic keratosis, as well as rarer forms such as Merkel cell carcinoma and acral lentiginous melanoma.
Menon said the exam will take approximately 10 minutes. Patients will be required to fill out a form and change into a gown, followed by a head-to-toe exam.
It is recommended that patients not wear nail polish or makeup to the exam. It will also be helpful to know a family history of skin cancer and to be able to point out any spots that are new or have changed shape.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone see a dermatologist annually.
Last year Destination: Healthy Skin provided more than 800 free screenings across the nation, with 32 volunteer dermatologists identifying more than 200 suspected skin cancers.
