Free skin cancer screenings are available May 2-6 in Crestview

PANAMA CITY — Dermatology Specialists of Florida has joined the fight against skin cancer by offering free and potentially life-saving skin cancer screenings May 2-6 at eight of its Florida locations.

The screening is offered to any adult who has not had their skin screened in the past 12 months. Florida locations include 550 Redstone Ave. W, Suite 390, Crestview, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach,  Panama City, Tallahassee and Jacksonville. 

To schedule an appointment at the nearest participating location, call 877-231-3376.

The signs of sun-damaged skin are not always immediately obvious, but the effects of sun damage can accumulate and worsen over time. Dermatology Specialists of Florida stresses the importance of regular skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist, as well as self-exams and daily sun-safe behaviors.

This includes applying a golf ball-sized amount of SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every day, throughout the day, based on your time spent outdoors. Sunscreen has an expiration date typically 3 years from its manufactured date.

While a regular skin exam by a dermatologist is the best option, you can still perform a self-exam if you can’t schedule an appointment.

For moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, are larger than a pencil eraser or are evolving, multiple colors and bleeding or itching, schedule an  immediate screening appointment with a dermatologist.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free skin cancer screenings are available May 2-6 in Crestview