For more information contact: Boonshoft School of Medicine, Judi Engle, Office of Public Relations, (937) 775-2951

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2000

WSU Dermatologists offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings

DAYTON, OHIO -- Wright State University School of Medicine's Section of Dermatology will conduct free skin cancer screenings in May at selected area hospitals and clinics. Appointments for the screenings can be made Monday, May 1, through Friday, May 5, by calling the American Cancer Society at 223-8521.

The free screenings will be offered at the following sites and times: Wright State University Student Health/Nursing Services, Monday, May 8, 1:00-4:30 p.m.; Sycamore Primary Care Center, 2115 Leiter Road, Miamisburg, Tuesday, May 9, 8:30-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m; Wright State University Student Health/Nursing Services and Franciscan Medical Center, Wednesday, May 10, 1:00-4:30 p.m.; Wright State University Student Health/Nursing Services, Thursday, May 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Miami Valley Hospital, and Grandview Hospital Outpatient Clinic, Friday, May 12, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Grandview Hospital Outpatient Clinic and Franciscan Medical Center, Friday, May 12, 1:00-4:30 p.m.

A skin cancer screening takes only five minutes, according to Dr. Julian Trevino, a Wright State dermatologist.
"Anyone who is concerned about a worrisome skin lesion should have a screening," Trevino explains. "If the skin lesion has enlarged or changed color, or if it has become ulcerated or irritated, it should be checked by a dermatologist.

"If a person has a pigmented lesion that turns out to be a melanoma, removing it at an early stage could save a life," he continues. "Other types of skin cancer, when detected early, can be removed before they become large and disfiguring."
Dermatologists of the Miami Valley offer free screening clinics each May, during National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The screenings are part of a nationwide program sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology to promote early detection and teach prevention of skin cancer.