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WINSTON-SALEM — Dermatologists at Wake Forest Baptist Health will offer free skin cancer screenings to the public on Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Medical Plaza — Country Club, located at 4618 Country Club Road in Winston-Salem.

No insurance or appointment is needed to receive a screening and parking is free.

At last year’s event, 252 people were screened and doctors identified:

• 5 possible melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer
• 18 basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer
• 8 squamous cell carcinomas, the second most common form of skin cancer
• 58 individuals with “pre-cancerous” spots
• 12 patients with moles that had an abnormal appearance

“Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones, even those with a darker complexion,” said Amy McMichael, M.D., chair of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist. “People with certain traits are more susceptible to developing skin cancer though. Those with fair skin, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and those with a personal or family history of skin cancer are at a heightened risk.”

According to the American Cancer Society, more skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year than all other cancers combined. Despite its prevalence, skin cancer also is the easiest cancer to cure, if diagnosed and treated early.