Ephraim McDowell Health is offering free skin cancer screenings. Screenings are available in Danville, Mackville, Lancaster and Stanford and are scheduled as follows:
June 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Gilcher Building in Danville (located behind the city parking garage on the second floor)
June 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Mackville Community Center
June 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gilcher Building in Danville
July 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garrard County Health Department
July 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lincoln County Extension Office
For all screenings, a limited number of appointments are available, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments may be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling (859) 239-2422.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can take three forms: basal cell, squamous cell or melanoma. A basal cell cancer starts out as a small pink bump with a sheen to it.
When it is irritated, the bump bleeds and then forms an ulcer. A squamous cell cancer is a thickened, pink bump that is often scaly. Individuals are advised to use an "ABCD" model to check for melanoma. Check your body for moles and dark spots with these characteristics:
A. Asymmetry: One half is different from the other half.
B. Border irregular: Borders are scalloped or poorly defined.
Color varied: One area of the spot is colored different from another.
D. Diameter: The spot or mole is larger than a pencil eraser.
The best treatment for skin cancer is early detection by checking your body monthly for signs of skin cancer.
