Wednesday, April 23, 2014

USA Health System to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings on Melanoma Monday

The USA Health System will offer free skin cancer screenings for all USA Health and Dental Plan members on Monday, May 5, 2014, as part of Melanoma Monday, a national event held annually on the first Monday of May. Appointments will be available from 8 a.m. to noon at University Physicians Group, the new clinic at University Commons.

Screenings will be performed by Dr. Marcus Tan, a surgical oncologist at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute; Dr. Curtis Harris, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at USA; and Mona Hagmaier, PA-C, with University Physicians Group.

According to Dr. Tan, the incidence of melanoma in the United States is rising more rapidly than for virtually any other cancer. “In fact, one in every 55 individuals will develop melanoma. However, if caught early, it is curable in 90% of cases.”

There are several risk factors to consider in a melanoma diagnosis including family history of melanoma, prior melanoma, multiple pigmented skin lesions and some rare genetic syndromes. In addition, a history of extensive or severe sun exposure or severe sunburns may also contribute to the development of this potentially fatal cancer.

To schedule your free skin cancer screening, call 660-5787. USA Commons is located at 75 University Blvd. at the intersection of University Blvd. and Old Shell Road (adjacent to the USA College of Education).

To learn more about Melanoma Monday, click here.