Local
Free screenings for skin cancer offered at Norwalk Hospital
By Norwalk Hospital
Aug 20, 2008 - 12:06:29 PM

Norwalk, CT - Four Norwalk Hospital Dermatologists will be offering free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 A.M. to noon in the Connecticut Dermatology Group office located at the Health and Wellness Center of Norwalk Hospital at 761 Main Avenue in Norwalk. The event is being coordinated by Steven A. Kolenik, III, M.D., a dermatologist with Connecticut Dermatolgy Group, and Mary Ellen Loncto, RN, MSN, administrative manager of the Whittingham Cancer Center.

Traditionally, approximately 50 percent of the people who have participate in the free skin cancer screenings sponsored by the Whittingham Cancer Center and hospital dermatologists, have had suspicious skin lesions which required follow-up treatment.

This underscores the importance of regular skin self-exams and follow-up evaluation by a physician if any suspicious lesions are detected. The skin cancer screening is offered as a community service to increase awareness of the importance of early detection of skin cancer.

According to Dr. Kolenik, there are several types of skin cancers. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers, which are highly curable if diagnosed and treated early, often take the form of a pale nodule or a red sharply outlined patch. Malignant melanoma, the more serious skin cancer, often appears as a mole-like growth that changes in size and color and sometimes bleeds easily. Malignant melanoma can spread to other parts of the body quickly, but if diagnosed early, is also curable.

Norwalk Hospital dermatologists emphasize that skin cancer prevention should start at childhood because it does not take more than a few sunburns in the early years to initiate the process of sun damage in adult life. Unfortunately, many people do not take protective measures from sun exposure until after they develop skin cancer as adults.

To register for the skin cancer screenings, call (203) 852-2876 or e-mail: wwc@norwalkhealth.org

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