Free skin cancer screenings set for Riverhead

By Dr. Steven Ouzounian

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? But so many people don’t get an annual skin cancer screening, either because they’re unaware of the risk or don’t have insurance.

The reality is nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively if they are found early, which is why it’s so important to get examined, especially if you have any lumps, bumps, spots, sores or other marks on your skin that are new or changing, or that worry you for any reason.

Peconic Bay Medical Center is hosting a free screening for anyone without insurance on Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The screenings will be held at the Rural Migrant Ministry at 573 Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead. For more information, please contact Juliette Liegey at JLiegey1@northwell.edu.

It's also important to remember that as spring and summer nears, start protecting your skin from the effects of the sun’s rays.

In fact, About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. That exposure can happen any time of year but is especially important if we’re outdoors more often in spring and summer.

In addition to preventing problems such as cancer and eye damage, protecting yourself from the effects of sun exposure also helps avoid skin spots and “leathery” skin that can make us look aged.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

However, there are easy ways to help prevent the likelihood of skin cancer by consistently protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays and seeing a dermatologist regularly to detect changes in our skin over time.

Dr. Steven Ouzounian is Medical Director of Quality at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. He is also the chair of the PBMC Cancer Committee.