Mercy Suburban to Hold Free Skin Cancer Screening

From Mercy Suburban Hospital:

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.

To help in early detection of skin cancer, Harold J. Milstein, MD will conduct free skin cancer screenings at Mercy Cancer Center, at 2701 DeKalb Pike in East Norriton, on Friday, May 10, from 8 to 11 a.m. 

There are many different types of skin cancer, such as:

• Actinic keratoses (AK)
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Melanoma

People of all colors and races can get skin cancer. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for BCC and SCC is about 95%. When melanoma is detected before it spreads, it also has a high cure rate. Regular self-skin exams and a yearly examination by a dermatologist help people find early skin cancers.
 
Dr. Milstein is a board certified dermatologist who treats patients with a multitude of skin disorders and varying skin types. Dr. Milstein earned his MD from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. Prior to completing his dermatology residency at Temple University Skin and Cancer Hospital in Philadelphia he performed a yearlong internal medicine residency to improve his diagnostic acumen, followed by a surgical residency to enhance his surgical technique and skill. Upon completion of these residencies, Dr. Milstein attended numerous dermatology courses in the area of cancer surgery, cosmetic surgery, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, laser surgery and skin rejuvenation. 
 
Pre-registration for the free skin cancer screening is required. Call 610-278-2504 to make an appointment.

Prevention

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer.

Here's how you can prevent skin cancer:

• Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

About Mercy Suburban Hospital

Mercy Suburban Hospital is a 129-bed community-based acute-care teaching hospital in East Norriton. Mercy Suburban provides comprehensive services in emergency medicine, surgery, cardiac and respiratory care, orthopedic care, breast care, intensive and critical care, maternal child health, acute rehabilitation, sport medicine, diagnostic and interventional radiology, senior behavioral health and home care. Mercy Suburban operates the Norristown Regional Cancer Center, the Mercy Suburban Obstetrics Clinic, Mercy Suburban Family Practice Center, and other physician practices in Central Montgomery County. Mercy Suburban was founded in 1944 and is a member of the Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pa.