PANAMA CITY, Fla., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark Skin Cancer Awareness month, and to heighten awareness of the most deadly form of cancer, melanoma, Gulf Coast Dermatology is providing free full-body skin cancer screenings in 11 cities on Friday, May 2nd.  New patients can schedule appointments in advance by calling toll-free, 1-877-231-DERM(3376).

Board-certified dermatologist, and Gulf Coast Dermatology President, Jon R. Ward, MD, states,  "Melanoma Monday was created to draw attention to this deadly form of cancer that will affect more than 75,000 people in 2014.  The rates of melanoma continue to rise, especially in young women, with melanoma now the most common cause of cancer death in young adults, ages 25 to 29.  Additionally, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime."

"We provide these free screenings to hopefully save lives.  In the 7 years we've offered these there have been several melanomas diagnosed.  We hope by doing this, we can reach those who may have never thought about an annual screening, or those who may not have access to dermatological care."

These free full-body skin cancer screenings are offered to new patients, and will be held by appointment, at Gulf Coast Dermatology offices in the following states and cities:

Florida: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Marianna, Milton, Niceville, Port St. Joe, Jacksonville and Tallahassee

Alabama: Auburn and Dothan

For more information, please call 1-877-231-(DERM) 3376.

Note: Our medical providers are available for interviews to discuss skin cancer, prevention, early detection and the skin cancer screenings. Please call Carol Whiting at, 850-596-6457, to arrange an interview.

About Gulf Coast Dermatology

Gulf Coast Dermatology is committed to providing the highest level of care for patients of all ages.  We are a full-service practice specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.  Using the latest technology and procedures, Gulf Coast Dermatology is staffed by highly skilled physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and aestheticians.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but also the easiest to cure with early detection.  At Gulf Coast Dermatology, we are uniquely positioned to provide our patients with comprehensive treatment options including Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Superficial Radiation Therapy.  Patient access to care is also of great importance, which is why we offer quickly scheduled appointments and convenient locations throughout Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

Additionally, we provide our patients with a wide range of physician-supervised, results-based cosmetic services at our Aqua Medical Spa locations, with some services provided at all general dermatology locations.  Among our customized treatments are cosmetic injectable treatments, laser and light-based skin resurfacing, skin tightening, CoolSculpting® treatments for non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring, and the new miraDry® procedure for the elimination of excessive underarm sweating. 

For more information about Gulf Coast Dermatology and Aqua Medical Spa, visit www.gulfcoastderm.com and www.aquaskinspa.com, or call toll-free, 877-231-DERM(3376).

SOURCE Gulf Coast Dermatology