Free cancer screenings to be offered June 5by Michael BakerPublic Relations For the third summer, Hollings Cancer Center will bring health care and education directly to the community. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 5, the HCC Mobile Health Unit (MHU) will offer free skin cancer screenings at Splash Zone at James Island County Park. The event marks the first of three scheduled visits to the Lowcountry during the summer. In July, the MHU will appear at Front Beach, Isle of Palms, before a final stop in August at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston. The screenings represent a concentrated effort by HCC and MUSC physicians and residents to spread awareness of skin cancer. South Carolina, and Charleston specifically, appeals to tourists and locals with its sunny weather and beautiful beaches. But fun in the sun carries an inherent risk as well. “We live in a state that’s conducive to being outdoors,” said Sterling Hannah, HCC coordinator. “The skin cancer screenings aren’t about telling people not to go outside; we’re just reminding people to take precautions when they do.” And the warnings come from extremely knowledgeable sources. Pearon Lang, M.D., professor of dermatology, volunteers as the lead physician for the screenings. He also brings three chief residents with him, giving the MHU a team of experts to identify potential problems with screening participants. “We target a high-risk population,” Lang said. “The beaches are an important venue for educating the public about both skin cancer and sun protection.” Hannah pointed out that conducting the screenings at local beaches and water parks proved not only logical, but easier on the participants, too. “It’s very casual and provides full privacy,” she explained. “In those environments, people aren’t wearing much clothing anyway, so it’s not a hassle to get screened.” Each participant fills out a demographic form, including questions about specific areas of concern, which Lang and his colleagues use as a preliminary guide to potential skin problems. After the participant disrobes to his/her level of comfort, the physicians check the visible skin for signs of cancer or potential health problems. “The screenings take about 10 minutes each, so it’s very convenient,” Hannah said. “If you’re with your family, you can take turns getting screened in a small period of time.” Afterwards, each participant receives a copy of the form, detailing possible areas of concern on his/her body. Sometimes the concerns are minor, but occasionally a more serious scenario arises. On more than one occasion, the doctors diagnosed cases of melanoma. “If Dr. Lang or the other doctors see a significant problem, they’ll urge the person to seek further care from an area dermatologist,” Hannah explained, noting that the list given out includes all Charleston skin professionals, not just those affiliated with MUSC. “We just want to ensure that people address the problems as quickly as possible.” Although the MHU visits remain popular—the physician screen at least 100 people at each session and sometimes as many as 150—the operation runs smoothly. Waiting times are generally minimal, and when lines form, the volunteers pass out visors, water, and sunscreen samples. The freebies serve as another way for HCC to give back to the community. The MHU’s funding comes entirely from government and private corporation grants. “The screenings are part of our duty as a state cancer center,” Hannah asserted. “They’re another form of preventative medicine.” “The screenings potentially save lives,” Lang added. “We’re providing a free service for people who otherwise might not go for a skin exam.” Hannah said that the screenings often provide a baseline for younger people. By getting screened early in life, people have a better grasp of potential or current problem areas on their bodies. The initial screening helps them monitor changes in the skin—irregular moles or body spots—for future reference. Even if you believe that your skin is perfectly healthy, Hannah believes that a screening is still worthwhile. “This is a free, easy, important service,” Hannah concluded. “It only takes 20 minutes of your life, and it’s definitely a smart way to spend them.” For a schedule of the MHU various screenings (including those for skin
cancer), visit http://hcc.musc.edu/patient/outpatient/mobilehealthunit.cfm.
Friday, June 4, 2004
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