South Brunswick to Host Free Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.  It is estimated that more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer (non-melanoma) will be diagnosed in the United States this year.  There are 3 major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. 

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  Additional risk factors for skin cancers include fair complexion, severe sunburn as a child, use of tanning beds, multiple or atypical moles, family history, and occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, and radium or arsenic compounds. 

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips:

• Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Cover up with clothing that protects as much skin as possible.
• Wear a hat.
• Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher regularly.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
• Be aware of sun sensitizing medications - some common OTC and prescription medication makes your skin more sensitive to the sun…check with your pharmacist or physician.

 Have a health care provider examine your skin carefully when you have a routine physical.  Also, examine your own skin, preferably once a month including your back, scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes and the palms of your hands. 

If there are any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole, the development of a new mole, or any other unusual changes in the skin, see your physician  immediately.

The South Brunswick Health Department in partnership with Saint Peter’s University Hospital will be having a free Skin Cancer Screening on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 and Tuesday, July 19, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Saint Peter’s University Mobile Unit which will be parked at the South Brunswick Senior Center. 

Register online beginning June 27, 2011 at www.sbtnj.net click on Health Department and follow the link. This screening is for South Brunswick residents (18 years and older).