ST. LOUIS--Dr. Scott Fosko, chairman of the department of dermatology at Saint Louis University, has heard it many times before: “It won’t happen to me.”
But the sad truth is that skin cancer is affecting more and more people: one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, is responsible for almost 8,000 deaths each year.
"If you tan now, you'll pay later," says Fosko, who is seeing more patients in their 20s and 30s developing skin cancers.
Because early detection is crucial, Saint Louis University’s department of dermatology and the Saint Louis University Cancer Center will host a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, May 1.
The 11th annual event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at two locations: the Anheuser Busch Institute in midtown St. Louis, and the Des Peres Medical Arts building in west St. Louis County. The Anheuser Busch Institute is located at 1755 S. Grand Blvd; SLUCare Des Peres is located at the intersection of I-270 and Dougherty Ferry Road.
“The screenings are an opportunity for a free examination,” Fosko said. “They are also an opportunity to be further educated about what to look for and how to do self skin examinations, an important component of maintaining good health.”
The screening is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society and coincides with Melanoma Monday, a national day of skin cancer awareness. During the event, 12 to 15 doctors will provide participants with a 20-minute screening. The screening will consist of an overview of the participant’s history and risk factors, along with an examination of exposable skin.
“Unfortunately, many individuals have the feeling of infallibility, which contributes to their behaviors of exposing themselves to the harmful ultraviolet rays, both naturally and through tanning salons,” Fosko said.
The effects of sun exposure cumulate over time and are not reversible. But, when skin cancer is caught in early stages, the survival rate is over 95 percent. When more advanced, however, skin cancers—especially melanoma—can be deadly.
In past years, 100 to 250 participants have taken part in the free skin cancer screenings. The free screenings offer a unique opportunity, since most insurance companies would not cover the cost of such screenings unless lesions or abnormalities are found.
Fosko said a tan is a sign of damage to your skin as it tries to protect itself. To help prevent skin cancer from developing in the first place, Fosko recommends applying sunscreen every day—whether it’s summer or winter, sunny or cloudy.
To take part in the free skin cancer screenings, please call the Saint Louis University Call Center at (314) 977-4440 to schedule an appointment.
Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first M.D. degree west of the Mississippi River. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a pioneer in geriatric medicine, organ transplantation, chronic disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, neurosciences and vaccine research, among others. The School of Medicine trains physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health services on a local, national and international level.
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