Essentia Health hosting skin cancer screening day

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is dedicated to shedding light on the most common cancer in the United States – skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 9,500 people are diagnosed with the disease every day.

Because of its prevalence, Essentia Health is hosting Melanoma Monday — an opportunity for community members to get a free skin cancer screening.

Screenings will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the Duluth Family Medicine Clinic, located at 330 N. Eighth Ave. E. Availability is limited, so please call (218) 723-1112 to make an appointment.

When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. You’re encouraged to perform routine self-exams to check for signs of skin cancer. A potentially problematic mole could be one that is asymmetrical, has an irregular or poorly defined border, has varying colors, is larger than six millimeters in diameter (about the diameter of a pencil eraser) and regularly changes in size, shape or color. If you notice any of these signs on your skin, it is recommended that you have a melanoma screening.