HUNTSVILLE – Dermatology Specialists of Alabama is offering free skin cancer screenings in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the group’s Huntsville office has appointments for three separate dates beginning Thursday.
The office is at 201-A Longwood Drive. There are afternoon slots available Thursday and May 8 and 23 for adults who have not had a skin cancer screen in the last 12 months.
Limited appointments can be made by calling 256-533-1160. For more information, visit www.mydermspecialist.com.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is devoted to shining the spotlight on the most common cancer in the United States — skin cancer. It’s estimated that every day about 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer.
Melanoma Monday
Melanoma Monday is the first Monday in May and originated May 1, 1995, to encourage Americans to begin a lifelong habit of examining their skin for signs of skin cancer.
Key facts to know about melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 200,340 melanomas will be diagnosed and about 8,290 people will die of melanoma. That’s why the AAD encourages everyone to begin a lifelong habit of checking their skin by performing skin self-exams. Here’s why these exams are so important:
- Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
- Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including skin that’s had plenty of sun exposure and skin that’s usually protected from the sun.
- Melanoma can develop under or around a fingernail or toenail.
- You can find melanoma early by examining your skin for the ABCDEs of melanoma and checking your nails.
