Free Skin Cancer Screenings At Northside-Forsyth

CUMMING, GA — Getting a summertime sunburn is never fun. But skin cancers caused by excessive sun exposure can be a far more serious problem than just a few days of discomfort.

During the summer, Northside Hospital Forsyth will be conducting free skin cancer screenings. The next screenings will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.

Appointments for the screenings are required. To make one, call 404-531-4444. Northside Forsyth is located at 1100 Northside Forsyth Dr. in Cumming.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million new cases being discovered every year. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma, the hospital notes, spreads rapidly and can be life-threatening if untreated.

With summer upon us, Northside Forsyth is offering tips.

• Sunburns are linked to skin cancers later in life. Northside recommends wearing a hat outdoors and putting on SPF 30 or greater sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside to enjoy the summer.
• Get screened. If caught early, melanoma is curable, so early detection is important.
• Pay attention to any changes in size, shape and color of spots on your skin. Look for moles that are big or have a strange shape. Note if they change in color over time. If you spot anything unusual, call your doctor.
• Avoid indoor tanning salons. Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours. Wear dark clothing that covers your arms and legs. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

For more information, visit Northside Hospital Forsyth's skin cancer screenings web page.

Photo courtesy Northside Hospital Forsyth.