(MINOT, ND)—Trinity Health will conduct a Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Wednesday, November 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. The screening, which is free to the community, will be held on the 5th floor of Trinity Health Medical Arts, 400 Burdick Expressway East.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with melanoma considered to be most dangerous. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day, with 7,650 expected to die from the disease this year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
“Fortunately, there is much you can do to protect yourself and your family by catching skin cancer early,” said Mary Logue, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who will be among the medical professionals involved in the screening. “Screening is a very effective way to detect skin cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. A skin cancer screening is a visual exam that is painless, takes only a few minutes, and has the potential to save your life.”
Risk factors for skin cancer include excess exposure to UV radiation, whether from sunlight or indoor tanning units, and having a family history of skin cancer. Experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one's melanoma risk by 80 percent, according to the AAD. Symptoms include a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body.
Appointments for the screening are required by calling 701-857-3971. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.