Cancer

Worried About Skin Cancer?

Spectrum Health Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings May 3

May 2, 2016

Looking forward to getting summer tan? Remember to take precautions first.

Here are the facts about skin cancer from the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Cancer Society and Sun Safety Alliance:

  • 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime
  • More than 3 million cases are diagnosed each year
  • Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour
  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States
  • Spending 4+ hours in the sun’s rays increases your risk
  • Exposed areas are at higher risk: head, arms, legs, feet, top of chest and ears

The risk is even greater for children, who tend to be out in the sun more often than adults. Even one blistering sunburn can double a child’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer

If you have concerns about whether or not you have skin cancer, stop by one of the free screenings being held by Spectrum Health on Tuesday, May 3 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:

  • South Pavilion, 80 68th Street SE, Suite 302, Cutlerville
  • Grand Rapids Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, 1300 Michigan Street NE, Suite 202, Grand Rapids
  • Spectrum Health Medical Group, 588 East Lakewood Boulevard, Holland
  • Spectrum Health Medical Group, 2111 12 Mile Road NW, Sparta

Spectrum Health medical professionals will perform skin cancer screenings at no charge. Appointments are not required – walk-ins are welcome – and no blood work is needed. If a follow-up appointment is recommended, medical professionals will provide additional education and referral information

So, how should you protect yourself when you do go out in the sun?

  • Wear broad spectrum protection SPF30+ sunscreen
  • Re-apply sunscreen about every two hours and after swimming or sweating
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Wear 99% to 100% UV absorption sunglasses
  • Limit the amount of time you spend in direct sun
  • Protect your skin even on cool or cloudy days
  • Avoid using tanning beds

For more information about the screenings, call 616.486.5828 or visitwww.spectrumhealth.org/cancer

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like a consultation or second opinion, call 1.855.SHCANCER (855.742.2623). The Spectrum Health Cancer Center offers the most comprehensive range of cancer services in West Michigan through our experienced cancer specialists and multidisciplinary teams, and provides personalized treatment at locations throughout the region.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 178 ambulatory and service sites; more than 3,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, including about 1,400 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 721,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 24,300 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems—and in the top five among the largest health systems—by Truven Health Analytics™ for 2016. This is the fifth time the organization has received this recognition.

Contact:
Sarina Gleason
Media Relations
Phone: 517.256.5618
Email: sarina.gleason@corewellhealth.org