PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has announced that University Dermatology physicians will be onsite from noon to 2 p.m. this Sunday, July 29, at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett to conduct free "Sun Smarts" skin cancer screenings during the Governor's Bay Day celebration, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Great Outdoors Pursuit program.
"Skin cancer is the only cancer you can see on the surface of the skin," said Michael Fine, MD, director of HEALTH. "A skin cancer screening is a visual, non-invasive exam that takes just a few minutes, but could save a person's life."
The screenings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Dermatologists will conduct a five to 10-minute examination of each individual in a private exam area. Nationally, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and new cases have been increasing dramatically. Exposure to the sun during childhood and adolescence typically plays a critical role in the development of skin cancer as an adult.
The free event offers dermatologists a chance to educate the public about skin cancer prevention and early detection while potentially saving lives by finding skin cancers in their earliest, often most treatable stages.
The Sun Smarts events are sponsored by The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, American Cancer Society, Lifespan Community Health Services, University Dermatology, ABC6, and the Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management.
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