The National Farm Medicine Center will offer free skin cancer screenings on the first day of the 2016 UW Extension and Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Grower Education Conference and 67th Industry Show, Feb. 2, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point.

Don’t miss this opportunity. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 people developing it. Those who work in the sun are more at risk.

Just stop by the National Farm Medicine Center screening area, Bayba Room, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Screening will be conducted by physicians from the Marshfield Clinic Dermatology Department. This is a good time to ask about any spots you are worried about; the dermatologist will educate you about what to look for, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole. If the doctor sees anything suspicious you will be encouraged to follow up with your personal physician or dermatologist.

In the past year, the Farm Center has worked with Marshfield Clinic Dermatology to screen 669 people for skin cancers resulting in the presumptive diagnosis of 3 potentially deadly skin cancer melanomas, and 45 other cancers. The screenings are made possible by philanthropic support from the Auction of Champions Fund a Need program.

Physicians scheduled to work at the screenings include Meredith Hancock, M.D.; and Melissa Williams, M.D. For more information on the screening call the National Farm Medicine Center at 1-800-662-6900.

CONTACT: Scott Heiberger
heiberger.scott@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
715-389-7541