April 18, 2006

Genesis Offers Free Skin Cancer Screening

DAVENPORT, Iowa – The most common form of cancer also is one of the most treatable and preventable, but if left untreated, skin cancer can be deadly.

May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and Quad Cities residents are being encouraged to participate in a free skin cancer screening. The screening will be held from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Genesis Cancer Center, located on Genesis Medical Center, 1401 West Central Park Ave.

The screening is for people who have not previously had a screening for skin cancer. Dermatologists Susan Perry, M.D., John Bovenmeyer, M.D., Robert Godwin, M.D., and Manish Kumar, M.D., will be conducting the screening. Participants should use the Atrium entrance located on the Central Park Ave. side of the hospital to attend the screening.

The screening is being held to increase public awareness about malignant melanoma and other skin cancers, according to Judy McFarlin, Administrative Director of the Genesis Cancer Program. “Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and the number of cases is increasing at an alarming rate,’’ McFarlin said. “It is estimated that melanoma will cause nearly 7,900 deaths this year, so early detection of this disease is critical.

“The cure for skin cancer is greatly improved when all skin cancers are brought to a doctor’s attention before they have a chance to spread. That’s why it is important for patients to see a dermatologist on a regular basis.’’

Once malignant melanoma has grown (metastasized) to multiple sites, the cancer is often deadly.

Appointments for the free screening are required and can be made by calling Genesis On Call at 421-2000 or 1-800-383-2575. All cosmetics on the skin should be removed prior to screening. Participants may choose to have sun-exposed areas such as arms, legs and the face evaluated, or can receive a full-body screen for which they should wear a bathing suit, under clothing.

During National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, Genesis will also be a sponsor of the annual Deb Sandry Memorial Walk on May 13 at Augustana College.

The 5-kilometer walk honors the memory of Deb Sandry, a Quad Cities resident who died in 2002 from melanoma.

For more information on the Deb Sandry Memorial Walk, call 309-799-3556 or visit www.doinitfordeb.net.