Dermatological Society of New Jersey Members Launch Month-Long Free Skin Cancer Screening Initiative at NJ State House in Recognition of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month

Volunteer dermatologists conducted free skin cancer screenings, sun damage assessments and educational outreach for State Legislators and staff on Melanoma Monday; public events will take place throughout State during May.

Find a DSNJ-sponsored skin cancer screening: www.njderm.org.

TRENTON, N.J., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A team of board-certified New Jersey dermatologists representing the Dermatological Society of New Jersey (DSNJ) kicked off a month-long series of free skin cancer screenings throughout the state by reaching out to State legislators and governmental personnel with free skin cancer screenings, sun damage assessments, and sun safety education on Melanoma Monday, May 7, 2012.

As part of this effort, dermatologists discussed the hazards of tanning with the media and legislators, in support of New Jersey Senate Bill 1172 and Assembly Bill A2142, which seek to prohibit minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning beds.

Four volunteer dermatologists conducted 48 free skin cancer screenings and referred 45% of the individuals screened to dermatologists for further diagnosis/biopsy of sites that were presumptively diagnosed as cancers or pre-cancers.  Seven suspected cancers were identified. In addition, volunteer medical students provided free sun damage assessments using a Canfield Reveal® Imager.

The DSNJ Skin Cancer Screening Initiative includes a series of free screening events throughout the state during May. This program is offered at a time when melanoma rates are rising, particularly in young women ages 15-29. In fact, skin cancer afflicts more Americans than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

Find a DSNJ-sponsored skin cancer screening: www.njderm.org.

Comments DSNJ President Sandra E. Vause, MD, "We dermatologists are committed to encouraging our patients and the public at large to practice skin cancer prevention, early detection and sun safety habits. We are pleased to provide this service to New Jersey citizens and offer what could be life-saving skin examinations."

This DSNJ Initiative is supported by Fallene, Ltd.  

Reveal® Imager is provided by Canfield Scientific, Inc.

ABOUT THE DSNJ
The Dermatological Society of New Jersey, founded in 1935, provides members with educational opportunities; awareness of advocacy and economic issues directly impacting the practice of dermatology and dermatological surgery, and many opportunities for professional networking while being committed to providing the best patient care.  

Visit: www.njderm.org

SOURCE Dermatological Society of New Jersey