Chicago-area dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings

Chicago-area dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to sun worshipers at one of the city's most popular beach this summer. The screenings will take place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, and Sunday, Aug. 5, at North Avenue Beach.

Loyola University Health System doctors will participate in Sun Smart Chicago 2012 in collaboration with the Chicago Dermatological Society, the Chicago Park District and other local dermatologists.

"These free screenings directly target people who are already out in the sun and placing themselves at risk for skin cancer," said Rebecca Tung, MD, division director of Dermatology, Loyola University Health System. "This event will allow doctors from all over the Chicago area to bring our clinics to the beachside to make it more convenient for sun worshipers to get checked."

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about skin cancer and to provide education about sun-safety practices. Dermatologists will be available for screenings and to speak with individuals and families who want to learn more about skin health. Activities also will be offered to entertain the entire family during the event.

"When dealing with skin cancer, early detection is critical to cure this disease," Tung said. "People can put the sunbathing and beach volleyball aside for a few minutes to get screened. This will then allow us to identify individuals who are at risk and to possibly save lives."

Sun Smart Chicago 2012 comes on the heels of the City Council's decision to ban minors from using indoor tanning salons due to the risks for skin cancer associated with tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. In 2010, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in the United States, according to the most recent estimates from the American Cancer Society. Of those, 68,720 were melanomas, which resulted in 8,650 deaths.