Mobile Exam Room Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings

In an effort to combat the most common cancer in the United States, the Skin Cancer Foundation is hitting the road this summer to offer free skin cancer screenings at part of its Destination: Healthy Skin campaign.

Crossing the country with an RV outfitted with a mobile exam room, the Destination: Healthy Skin tour will visit about 50 cities this summer, including three California stops in July—San Diego (July 10–12), Los Angeles (July 14–17), and Sacramento (July 20–21).

Visit www.destinationhealthyskin.org for more tour schedule information.

According to the most current data available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 72,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanomas (the deadliest form of skin cancer) in 2013. That figure is expected to increase by 14 percent from 2016 to 2017.

Health experts and the CDC emphasize that early detection is crucial, with skin cancers discovered and removed early being almost always curable. Regular screenings by a doctor are recommended for at least once a year, and every six months for those who spend a lot of time in the sun—particularly men, who are more likely to contract skin cancer than women.

For more information about protection from the sun and preventing skin cancer, consult a dermatologist or doctor and be sure their license is in good standing through the Medical Board of California website (www.mbc.ca.gov).