Chicago-area dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to sun worshipers at one of the city's most popular beach this summer.
Loyola University Health System doctors will participate in Sun Smart Chicago 2012 in collaboration with the Chicago Dermatological Society, the Chicago Park District and other local dermatologists.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about skin cancer and to provide education about sun-safety practices. Dermatologists will be available for screenings and to speak with individuals and families who want to learn more about skin health. Activities also will be offered to entertain the entire family during the event.
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Sun Smart Chicago 2012 comes on the heels of the City Council's decision to ban minors from using indoor tanning salons due to the risks for skin cancer associated with tanning beds. 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 resulted in 8,650 deaths.
