Free Skin Cancer Screening (by appointment only) March 5, 2009

On March 5, 2009, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center will hold a skin cancer screening at their Summit Campus (3100 Summit Street, Oakland, CA, 94609). This community cancer screening is supported by a grant from the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of cancer.

In 2009, estimates are that more than one million people in the United Sates will be diagnosed with a non-malignant type of skin cancer. More than 62,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, and it will claim 8,500 lives.

"Skin cancer is the one cancer that most people should not be able to overlook," says Leslie Paine, manager, Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Services, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, "If someone is conscientious enough and pays attention to any changes in the skin, he or she should be able to easily see any conditions that are out of the ordinary."

This past year, Lazarex has helped end-stage patients successfully fight a variety of cancers, in addition to funding cancer screenings like this one at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. "We truly believe that the high incidence of skin cancer can be halted in its tracks with the right preventative measures put in place," says Lazarex Cancer Foundation President Dana Dornsife, "and we are proud to be supporting this third in a series of three community cancer screenings at Markstein Cancer Education Services."

Individuals wishing to participate in the skin cancer screening must make an appointment. Dermatologists will check up to three areas of concern. Please note that this free community screening should not be used for obtaining a second opinion.

This screening is free but you must call and make an appointment by February 19, 2009. Space is limited!

Free (space is limited; appointment required 510.869.8833; RSVP by 2/19/09).

Official Website: http://www.lazarexfoundation.org/Events_Screening.php