Published: April 28, 2014
As part of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the Sparrow Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society are partnering to conduct free skin cancer screenings on Tuesday, May 13.
The screenings will be from 5-7 p.m. at the Sparrow Cancer Center, 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.
Free parking is available on the upper lot of the parking ramp off of Holmes Street. Appointments are required and slots fill up quickly. To schedule an appointment, call 517.364.2689.
More than one million cases of skin cancer, the most common of all cancers, will be diagnosed this year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, claims one life every hour.
"Skin is the largest organ in the body and has the highest incidence of cancer," said James Herman, M.D., Director of the Sparrow Cancer Center. "Skin screening is critical for early detection and therefore higher cure rates. All persons should do yearly skin screening. Sparrow Cancer Center is leading the charge in the community to help lower skin cancer rates and increase education about skin cancer."
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is expected to be diagnosed in nearly 77,000 Americans this year, said Alicia Gardner, RN, Senior Manager, Hospital Systems-Michigan for the American Cancer Society.
"There are many risk factors for melanoma, including overexposure to UV radiation or sunlight, a presence of atypical or numerous moles, fair skin with blond or red hair, a family history, and a weak immune system," Gardner said. "The good news is most melanoma can be found early and treated successfully if you what to look for."
For more information on skin cancer detection or prevention, contact the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1.800.227.2345 or visit www.cancer.org/fight.