Texas Tech Physicians sponsor free skin cancer screening

Texas Tech Physicians Department of Dermatology and other local dermatologists are sponsoring a skin cancer screening clinic from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 10 at the UMC Southwest Cancer Treatment and Research Center, 602 Indiana Ave.

The clinic is free and open to the public.

Each May, the American Academy of Dermatology encourages physicians to hold skin cancer screenings in response to a growing number of skin cancer diagnoses.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with more than 1 million new cases of basal cell carcinoma yearly, said Jennifer Smith, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Texas Tech Physicians of Lubbock Dermatology Department.

“One person dies every hour from melanoma skin cancer,” Smith said. “Our hope is that through this screening, we’ll find skin cancer lesions at an early stage and begin effective treatment earlier in the disease process.”

Participants may choose to have a specific area on their body examined by a physician or may opt for a full-body skin exam.

Doctors will look for skin cancer symptoms including open sores that bleed, reddish patches, shiny bumps, scar-like areas, and moles that are asymmetrical, have uneven borders or are two or more shades.

Gowns will be provided and exams are conducted in private examination rooms. The physician will note any lesions and recommend next steps for the patient.

Treatments such as liquid nitrogen for precancerous growths or biopsies for suspected cancers are not performed during the screening. Patients who need further treatment will receive a list of dermatologists for those services.

For more information, call 743-1842.

Story produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing, (806) 743-2143

Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher can protect against harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming or sweating.

Suspicious moles are asymmetrical, have uneven borders, are more than one color and are larger than ¼ inch in diameter.

Melanoma, pictured, is the most serious form of skin cancer. However, if treated early, it is nearly 100 percent curable.