O'Neill Holding Free Skin Cancer Screening Event

 in Capitola, is all set to open its doors on Oct. 13 for its 20th skin cancer screening event in as many years. Organizers are expecting more than 150 people to turn up for testing, free of charge.

O’Neill manager Elsin Saffer has worked the event every year since its inception.

“We organize this to get people aware of what they can do to prevent the risks of skin cancer, as well as how to properly protect yourself,” Saffer said.

The screening has made many people aware of the disease, and, according to Saffer, has saved lives by preventing cancer from spreading in patients that have tested positively.    

It can take up to four months to get an appointment to see a dermatologist in the Capitola area who can administer a series of skin cancer screenings, Saffer said, so the event is a rare opportunity for participants to get tested for free without the hassle of waiting for an appointment.

The screening is scheduled to run from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saffer recommended anyone interested arrive early.

“It gets very busy,” he said. “We can get up to 200 people attending in a two-hour period, so we would recommend that people get here around 5 p.m.”

However, no one is ever turned away, Saffer said, and anyone is welcome to come along. 

In addition to the screening, Burn Out Skin Care, an environmentally-friendly skin company, is also helping promote the event by providing free sunscreen for all customers who come by the store on the evening of the Oct. 13.

Complimentary goodie bags will also be available, as well as free advice on skin care and tips on protecting your skin from the sun.

“It is always a huge event,” Saffer said. “If we can save one life a year, it’s worth it.”

O’Neill is located at 1115 41st Ave., Capitola. For more information, call 831-439-4377.