Skin cancer screenings available at Simmons Cancer Institute May 9
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with about 9,500 people diagnosed each day. Physicians find 3 million skin cancer annually and the number has grown steadily over the past 40 years.
Central Illinois residents are encouraged to register for a free skin cancer screening from 5 - 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at SIU Medicine, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield.
Dermatologists will be on-site to perform free consultations to screen for the most common types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Physicians will examine the parts of the body exposed to sunlight to inspect for moles, birthmarks or other pigmented areas that could possibly present as abnormal in color, size, shape or texture.
The Regional Cancer Partnership of Illinois, a collaboration of SCI, Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic and other organizations, is hosting the screening. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the event encourages cancer prevention and mindfulness.
Anyone who is not receiving care from a dermatologist and is at least 18 years old is eligible for this free screening. Registration is required, with space limited to the first 100 people. Contact simmons@siumed.edu or call 217-545-6122 to reserve your time slot.
The mission of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU is to serve the people of central Illinois and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service. SIU Medicine, the health care practice of the school of medicine, includes clinics and offices with more than 300 providers caring for patients throughout the region.