Dermatologists from Loyola University Health System will offer free skin cancer screenings in May as part of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. In 2010, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in the United States, according to the most recent estimates from the American Cancer Society. Of those, 68,720 were melanomas, which have resulted in 8,650 deaths.
"People who may have unusual moles or lesions anywhere on their body should be checked by a professional. These types of growths have the potential to be a melanoma but can be easily diagnosed," said Rebecca Tung, MD, director of the Division of Dermatology at Loyola University Health System. "People should take every opportunity to get screened. This way if something of risk is identified, there is a much better chance of a good prognosis."
The free screenings will be held Friday, May 11, 1-5 p.m. at the Loyola Center for Health at Burr Ridge, 6800 N. Frontage Road, 2nd Floor, and Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Loyola Center for Health at LaGrange Park, 321 N. LaGrange Rd. An appointment is required. To schedule, call (888) LUHS-888, (888-584-7888).