Dr. Martin Okun, board certified dermatologist with Fort HealthCare Dermatology, will be offering free skin cancer screenings for new patients on Monday, August 26 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fort HealthCare Dermatology Clinic located on the third floor of Fort Memorial Hospital, 611 Sherman Avenue East in Fort Atkinson. New patients interested in the free screening should please call ahead of time to reserve a time at 920-568-1000.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly to treat. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and causes the most deaths. Prevention is key, having an annual skin cancer screening can help find any changes that might be suspicious.
A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a change in a mole. Not all skin cancers look the same.
A simple way to remember the signs of melanoma is to remember these A-B-C-D-Es:
- “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
- “B” stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?
- “C” is for color. Is the color uneven?
- “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
- “E” is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
A total body examination by a doctor is a good way to find skin cancers early, especially for people who have a history of skin cancer and have any suspicious moles or other spots.
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life, while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long term basis. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.
