Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer this year.

To increase public awareness of the signs of skin cancer and to encourage behaviors to protect the skin from damage, Houston Northwest Medical Center is teaming up with the Houston Dermatological Society to hold a free skin cancer preventative screening Saturday, May 5, 2012 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Women’s Atrium located at 710 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX.

Why Get Screened?

• Skin cancer is preventable and curable if detected early. 
• One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?

According to American Cancer Society, anyone can get skin cancer, but there are certain factors that put you at greater risk which include:

• Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (sunlight or tanning booths)
• Pale complexion (difficulty tanning, easily sunburned, natural red or blond hair color)
• Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
• You or other members of your family have had skin cancers
• Multiple or unusual moles
• Severe sunburns in the past

To make an appointment for the free screening, call 281-580-0000 or log onto hnmc.com, click on “Find an Event” and select “Skin Cancer Screenings” to register.