Scary Skin Spots? Free Skin Cancer Screenings by Penn Medicine Dermatologists on May 22

PHILADELPHIA – A suspicious looking mole, rough spots or a new growth on skin that doesn’t go away, are all possible signs of skin cancer. Early detection is key in order to effectively treat the disease and stop its progress. Experts recommend that people with known risk factors – such as significant past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer – have an annual skin examination by a dermatologist.

Penn Medicine dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. The screening is sponsored by Penn Medicine’s Department of Dermatology and the Abramson Cancer Center.

“At last year’s skin cancer screening, Penn dermatologists examined 248 patients,” says Christopher Miller, MD, assistant professor of Dermatology and director of Dermatologic Surgery at Penn Medicine. “Of that amount, 141 patients required follow-up for obvious tumors, biopsy of suspected tumors or treatment of a non-cancerous condition. That high number shows why it is so important to take advantage of an opportunity to have a dermatologist check your skin for any signs of cancer.”

During the screening – which only takes about seven minutes – dermatologists will thoroughly examine each person to look for any unusual or suspicious spots on the body.

“Prevention and early detection are the keys to protecting yourself from skin cancer,” Miller says. While the likelihood of developing skin cancer increases with age, skin damage from the sun begins at youth. Increasing numbers of younger people are getting skin cancers. “It’s so important to start protecting our skin in early childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life.”

Appointments for the May 22 Penn Skin Cancer Screening are necessary and space is limited. Call 215-662-2737 to make a reservation and for more information.

WHERE:	The Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine 1st Floor, Suite 330S 3400 Civic Center Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19104
WHEN:	May 22, 2010 8 am to Noon
WHO:	Christopher Miller, MD, assistant professor of Dermatology and director of Dermatologic Surgery at Penn Medicine

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting about one in five Americans at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If left untreated, skin cancer can cause disfigurement, loss of function of important structures in the body and death. Fortunately, the vast majority of skin cancers are curable if they are detected early and treated effectively.

Signs of skin cancer can include:

Rough spots that feel like sandpaper on the head, neck, hands or forearms
A new growth that doesn’t go away
Pink spots or bumps that never go away
Brown or black spots that are new or changing

General risk factors for skin cancer include:

Excessive exposure to the sun or tanning beds
Sunburns in the past
Fair skin, light eyes or light hair
Freckles and moles
Family history of skin cancer
History of organ transplant and immunosuppressive treatments

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Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 16 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $398 million awarded in the 2012 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2012, Penn Medicine provided $827 million to benefit our community.