MPM Offering Free Skin Cancer Screenings

April 11, 2016

20th Melanoma Monday Event May 2 at Morton Plant Hospital

CLEARWATER, Fla., (April 11, 2016) -- The 20th annual Morton Plant Mease Melanoma Monday event, where health experts offer free skin cancer screenings to the community, will be Monday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Morton Plant Hospital.

The screenings will be in the Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion, Meeting Rooms A&B, 455 Pinellas Street, Clearwater, Florida.

Each year, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday to raise awareness about melanoma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with nearly 5 million people treated for skin cancer annually. Although most skin cancers are not fatal, nearly 75 percent of the time melanoma is.

“As with any cancer, early detection of melanoma is crucial,” explains Amy Ross, MD, Morton Plant Mease dermatologist. “Individuals should have regular skin screenings and examine their own skin regularly to note changes in moles.”

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, the CDC recommends:

  • Staying in the shade, especially during midday hours. 
  • Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Using sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection.
  • Avoiding indoor tanning.
People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop skin cancer. Some general risk factors are a lighter natural skin color; a family history of skin cancer; exposure to sun through work and play; a history of sunburns; a history of indoor tanning; fair skin that burns, freckles or reddens easily; blue or green eyes and blond or red hair; or certain types and a large number of moles.

The signs of a possible malignant mole can be abbreviated to ABCDE.
A – Asymmetry: If the is mole asymmetrical, have it checked.
B – Border: If the border is uneven, have the mole checked.
C – Color: If a mole is several colors or shades, have it checked.
D – Diameter: Melanomas often have a diameter of 6mm or more.
E – Evolving: If the mole has changed in size, shape or color or is bleeding or itching, have it checked.

Registration is required to participate in the screening. For an appointment, call (727) 953-6877. Please wear loose fitting clothing to the screening. The examination is limited to exposed skin only.

About Morton Plant Mease
Nationally recognized for health care excellence, Morton Plant Mease Health Care is dedicated to providing community owned health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. Morton Plant Mease Health Care is comprised of the following hospitals – Morton Plant, Clearwater; Mease Dunedin, Dunedin; Mease Countryside, Safety Harbor and Morton Plant North Bay, New Port Richey. For more information about Morton Plant Mease, go to www.baycare.org/about-us/morton-plant-mease.

About BayCare Health System
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 14 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.