California Cancer Center to hold free skin cancer screening

More than 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. But skin cancer can be prevented or caught early with regular skin checks from a physician and by following basic “Sun Safety” guidelines.

Community Medical Centers’ California Cancer Center will hold a free skin cancer screening on May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

More than 80 participants have signed up for exams from Valley physicians and nurse practitioners. April and May are “Cancer of Sun” months and the Cancer Center, along with American Cancer Society, wants to make sure people are screened and educated. While all the screening slots are full, educational materials and free sunscreen will be given out to anyone who shows up. This event kicks off the Cancer Center’s community education campaign on “Sun Safety” for Valley residents.

Dr. Dina Ibrahim

"A study recently published found that using sunscreen everyday can reduce the formation of solar keratoses, a potential precursor to skin cancer,” said Dr. Dina Ibrahim, California Cancer Center’s director of medical oncology. “If you put it on frequently and correctly, it is a simple and effective step in preventing a serious disease.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the cure rate for skin cancer averages 95%. Even melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer with a diagnosis of more than 62,000 cases and nearly 8,400 deaths each year, has a 95% cure rate with early detection and treatment. 

“In our field we see melanomas and other skin cancers in an advanced state, many of which could have been prevented with good sun safety habits like regularly and generously applying a good sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, covering up and wearing hats to keep your skin out of the sun as much as possible,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

Dr. Ibrahim will be on site with Valley dermatologists such as Drs. Leah Press, Salma Simjee and Kathleen L. Behr, along with several trained nurse practitioners for all pre-registered patients.

"Our screening at California Cancer Center is an opportunity to help people with a suspicious mark who can't get to their doctor, serve as a reminder to get your skin checked regularly and help educate on the good habits our kids should start now for a lifetime of sun-safe behavior," Dr. Ibrahim said.

Sun protection tips from Community’s California Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society:

• Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher on all skin that isn’t covered. Re-apply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
• Limit the amount of time you are in direct sun when the sun's rays are most intense, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing when out in the sun.
• Wear a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
• Protect skin even on cool or cloudy days.
• Avoid tanning beds – ultraviolet light can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.
• Give yourself a monthly skin self-exam.
• Be sure to get cancer-related check-ups, including an exam for skin cancer, during periodic health exams.

Free skin cancer information kits and sunscreen will be available at the Cancer Center, located at 7257 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93720 on May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon. Or, kits can be requested by calling (559) 447-4050.

This story was reported by Rebecca Wass. She can be reached at rwass@communitymedical.org.

Thursday, May 08, 2008