Monday, April 25, 2016

USA Health to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings

USA Health will offer free skin cancer screenings for all USA Health and Dental Plan members on Monday, May 2, 2016, as part of Melanoma Monday, a national event held annually on the first Monday of May.

Appointments will be available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at University Physicians Group, located at the University Commons.

According to Dr. Marcus Tan, assistant professor of surgery at the USA College of Medicine and a surgical oncologist with the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, the incidence of melanoma in the United States is rising more rapidly than for any other cancer. “In fact, one in every 55 individuals will develop melanoma. However, if caught early, it is curable in 90 percent 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.