Tulane Cancer Center Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings
May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition, the Tulane Cancer Center is offering free skin cancer screenings on Tuesday, May 12, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Tulane Cancer Center Comprehensive Clinic, 150 S. Liberty St. in downtown New Orleans.
Beachgoers wear hats and sunscreen to lower the risk of skin cancer. Tulane is offering free skin cancer screenings on May 12 in conjunction with National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
“Skin cancer screenings are a valuable tool for identifying suspect skin lesions in people who don't normally have their skin checked,” says Dr. Alan T. Lewis, associate professor of dermatology at the Tulane School of Medicine. “Last year's screenings allowed us to identify a number of patients with skin cancer who would otherwise have gone undiagnosed. This is very important, as early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to avoid the adverse outcomes associated with skin cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million unreported cases of basal or squamous cell cancers occur annually. Most, but not all, of these forms of skin cancer are highly curable.
The most common serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. Of the approximate 62,480 persons in the U.S. who will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, an estimated 8,420 of them will die of this disease.
Those who have experienced severe sunburn or have a history of sun exposure, those with fair skin who burn easily, anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer and anyone experiencing a recent change in the appearance of a mole should consider being screened for skin cancer.
Skin cancer screenings involve a focused or head-to-toe physical skin assessment by a Tulane dermatologist. All participants will receive a complimentary sample of sun screen (SPF 30), and those requiring follow-up after screening will be encouraged to contact their personal physicians or they will be referred to a Tulane physician.
An appointment for a free skin cancer screening is required. To make your appointment call the Tulane Call Center at 504-988-5800 or 1-800-588-5800.
Discounted, secured parking is available in the Saratoga Parking Garage, located on the corner of Cleveland and Saratoga Streets in downtown New Orleans. The Tulane Cancer Center Comprehensive Clinic is located on the ground floor of this building.
For more information, visit the Tulane Cancer Center website and click on “Free Skin Cancer Screenings.”
Melanie N. Cross is the public relations and marketing coordinator for the Tulane Cancer Center.
