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2 million skin cancer diagnoses in the US each year.  75,000 of those are melanoma (Boo!  Hiss!)  Melanoma accounts for 75% of the skin cancer deaths per the American Cancer Society.  If melanoma is caught (and removed) early, the long-term prognosis is good.

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring a free skin screening this Saturday, May 5, 2012 at GraceMed Health Clinic, 1122 North Topeka, Wichita.  8 am to noon.  No appointment needed, just line up.

Ask your doctor do a yearly “skin check.”

• First, examine yourself.
• Have a partner examine parts (like your midback) you can’t see well.
• Make notes of concerning lesions to you.
• Watch (and tell your doctor about) skin lesions that seem to be changing in size or color or that bleed. 
• Also watch for sensation changes in a lesion: itching, tenderness or pain.

Then, see your doctor to go over every inch of your skin.

To decrease your risk of skin cancer, wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wear protective clothing (like long-sleeves and hats with a wide- full brim) and sunglasses to protect skin around your eyes.

I am a firm believer that… some things (changing skin lesions, etc) are best in a jar, not on your body.

Hope this helps.