Clinic In Minnesota To Host A Free Skin Cancer Screening Event
Spring and summer bring warmer weather and many people outside to enjoy time in the sunshine.
Sunshine indeed provides numerous health benefits, including boosted vitamin D production, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and boosting the immune system. However, the sun's rays can also be very dangerous as they expose people to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
That can lead to a variety of health issues, including skin cancer, which is why May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
The Skin Cancer Foundation says it's an important month as it is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and promoting prevention and early detection. It's also a crucial time to educate the public about the importance of sun protection, regular skin exams, and the early signs of skin cancer
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 9,500 people are diagnosed with the disease every day. Getting regular skin checks is crucial in catching skin cancer early, which could save your life, especially if melanoma is discovered.
Essentia Health Hosting Free Skin Cancer Screening Event
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can develop in a mole or on normal-looking skin and is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.
Essentia Health in Duluth announced that, because of its prevalence, the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic is hosting 'Melanoma Monday', which provides an opportunity for community members to get a free skin cancer screening.
When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable and has a five-year survival rate of 99%.
SEE NOW: Minnesotans Should Never Put These 31 Popular Foods In A Freezer
Screenings will occur from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic, at 330 N. Eighth Avenue E. Availability is limited, so please call (218) 723-1112 to make an appointment.
Essentia Health also encourages everyone to perform routine self-exams to check for signs of skin cancer. A potentially problematic mole could be asymmetrical, have an irregular or poorly defined border, have varying colors, be larger than six millimeters in diameter (about the diameter of a pencil eraser), and regularly change in size, shape, or color.
SEE NOW: Fried Chicken From Minnesota Spot Ranks Among The Best In America
If you notice any of these signs on your skin, it is recommended that you have a melanoma screening.
LOOK: These are the best lake towns to live in
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: Every state's nickname and where it comes from
Gallery Credit: Stacker