Sun Screen or Skin Screen
In 2010 a study by the Cancer Institute of New Jersey showed that of the over 10, 000 participants over 50 years of age, only 16% of men and 13% of women had a skin cancer check in the prior year. Even though many doctors will offer free skin screenings, it is not something people seem inclined to do for themselves.
Free Skin Screening or Not
If you go to a doctors office for a free skin screening, be sure to ask what that includes. An example is, a doctor who advertised for free skin screening. However, when the customers checked in they were asked to pay a fee. It was explained that the screening was free but they had to pay for the office visit.
The Sun Don’t Shine There
Another curious thing, whether it is a free skin screening or not, is to ask questions about what to expect. If done in a thorough manner, the screening will not be of only sun exposed areas. Including just beyond the tan lines is still not a complete skin screening.
As described on the website for SkinCancer.org , “What to Expect at a Screening – After the participant changes into a gown, the dermatologist enters the room and examines the patient’s skin from head-to-toe.”
In straight forward language, they are saying, set aside your modesty because a complete skin screening should check even places where the sun don’t shine! Yes, so now you kn0w. The reason is because of skin cancers occurring in these less obvious areas.
Perhaps this is why it is recommended to apply sun screen all over your skin before dressing to go out. And why the SPF clothing, hats and umbrellas are worth wearing.
Free Skin Screening Coming To a City Near You
There is a mobile project that provides free skin screenings as part of the Road To Healthy Skin Tour for four years running May through September. For more information go to cancer.org/tour.
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