Thursday, October 27, 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 Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.  Appointments are available from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Plastic Surgery Center, located at 1 Medical Park.

Screenings will be performed by Dr. Curtis Harris, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with USA Physicians Group, and Dr. Ron Brooks, a plastic surgeon with USA Physicians Group.

According to Dr. Harris, exposure to the sun is the most common precursor to skin cancer and it is important to limit your exposure to sunlight.

If you have a questionable area on your skin, Dr. Harris recommends having it checked by a physician. If cancer is found, treatment may include radiation or removal. “Early detection is important,” he said. “The smaller the lesion is, the easier it is to treat successfully.”

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 (251) 660-5763.