Free Skin Cancer Screenings In Indianapolis Aug. 3-5

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The summer season brings plenty of outdoor fun spent in the sun, and hopefully you're throwing some sunscreen in the mix to help protect yourself from skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it's estimated that 1,900 new cases of melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in Indiana in 2018.

So, why not take protecting yourself a step further by stopping by the foundation's 38-foot RV to get a free full-body skin cancer screening Aug. 3 through 5 in the Indianapolis area. The free screenings include educational materials and Walgreen brand sun care items as part of the Skin Cancer Foundation's second year of its Destination: Healthy Skin program.

The Foundation's RV is customized with two private exam rooms, and kicked off travels on May 15 in New York City with a final stop scheduled for Aug. 12 in Portland, Maine, completing 50 stops during the last few months. (Get Patched In: Subscribe to free daily email, news alerts, Facebook fun and more from Patch)

Dr. C. William Hanke, Senior Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation, said skin cancer is highly curable if diagnosed and treated early.

"That’s why it’s important to see a dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam, in addition to practicing monthly self-exams to check for new or changing moles and lesions," Hanke told Patch.

According to the doctor, there are many reasons people may not get their skin checked.

"They may not have access to care, or understand their skin cancer risk," Hanke said. "But everyone, regardless of age, race and ethnicity is at some risk for skin cancer, so everyone should make skin health a priority."

Get your skin checked by local dermatologists who have donated their time and services to the Foundation, during this weekend's free screenings:.

• Friday, Aug. 3: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Dr. Annette Dinneen at Waterplace Park, 8925 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
• Saturday, Aug. 4: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Dr. Kathy Kroeger, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Dr. Jenna Wald, both at Floors to Your Home, 16080 Prosperity Drive, Noblesville.
• Sunday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Dr. Chris Obeime and Dr. William Hanke at Indianapolis Colts Camp at Grand Park, 19000 Grand Park Blvd, Westfield.
• Sunday, Aug. 5: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Dr. Marc Frost at Waterplace Park, 8925 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

"Each year in the U.S. over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people," Hanke said. "If left untreated, skin cancer can spread and lead to disfigurement. In some cases it can even be deadly; in the U.S., one person dies every hour of melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer."

This weekend's screening appointments are on a first come, first served basis.

More: skincancer.org

Photos: The Skin Cancer Foundation