May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is dedicated to shedding light on the most common cancer in the United States – skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 9,500 people are diagnosed with the disease every day.
Because of its prevalence, Essentia Health is hosting Melanoma Monday, an opportunity for community members to get a free skin cancer screening.
Screenings will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic, located at 330 N. Eighth Ave. E. Availability is limited, so please call (218) 723-1112 to make an appointment.
When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. You’re encouraged to perform routine self-exams to check for signs of skin cancer. A potentially problematic mole could be one that is asymmetrical, has an irregular or poorly defined border, has varying colors, is larger than six millimeters in diameter (about the diameter of a pencil eraser) and regularly changes in size, shape or color. If you notice any of these signs on your skin, it is recommended that you have a melanoma screening.
