Gulf Coast Dermatology To Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings At 8 Florida Locations

PANAMA CITY, Fla., April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulf Coast Dermatology has joined the fight against skin cancer by offering free and potentially life-saving skin cancer screenings at eight of its Florida locations between Friday, May 1^st and Friday, May 8^th for any adult who has not had their skin screened in the past 12 months. To find the nearest participating location and schedule a screening, please call 877-231-DERM.

Since skin cancer was first acknowledged as an epidemic in the U.S. in 2010¹ more than 1 million cases have been diagnosed. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery has spearheaded the fight against skin cancer through promoting the importance of annual skin cancer screenings with the goal of educating communities across the country on the importance of early detection of skin cancer and maintaining health skin.

The signs of sun-damaged skin are not always immediately obvious, but the effects of sun damage can accumulate and worsen over time. At Gulf Coast Dermatology we can't stress enough the importance of regular skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist as well as self-exams and daily sun-safe behaviors, such as applying a golf ball-sized amount of SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every day, throughout the day, based on your time spent outdoors. Remember, sunscreen has an expiration date typically 3 years from its manufactured date.

While a regular skin exam by a dermatologist is the best option, you can still perform a self-exam if you can't schedule an appointment. If you find moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, are larger than a pencil eraser or are evolving, multiple colors and bleeding or itching, you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist immediately and come in for a screening.  

About Gulf Coast Dermatology 
Led by Jon Ward, M.D., and Michael Stickler, M.D., Gulf Coast Dermatology originated in Panama City, Fla., in 2006, and now serves patients in more than 20 cities throughout Florida and Alabama. The full-service practice specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology with highly skilled physicians, physician assistants and clinicians using the latest technologies and treatments, such as Mohs Micrographic Surgery and painless Superficial Radiation Therapy, both of which have cure rates of 98 to 99 percent, The practice also offers cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic services to improve the appearance, tone and texture of the skin. For more information, visit www.gulfcoastderm.com. 

About the ASDS
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons, who have extensive training and experience in treating the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons are also experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to minimizing the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.

¹ Rogers, MD, PhD, H., Weinstock, MD, PhD, M., Harris, Ashlynne, Hinckley, MD, M., Feldman, MD, S., Fleischer, MD, A., & Coldiron, MD, B. (2010). "Incidence estimate of non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States, 2006." Archives of Dermatology, 146(3), 283-287.

SOURCE Gulf Coast Dermatology

Related Links

http://www.gulfcoastderm.com