H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Moffitt Cancer Center to offer free skin cancer screenings at Clearwater Beach Aug. 15

For more information, contact:

Nancy Johnson
Nancy.Johnson@moffitt.org
(813) 745-1478

Tampa, FL (July 14, 2009) – It’s summertime and for most Floridians, that means frequent trips to the beach to enjoy the surf, sand and sun. However, Floridians are prone to skin cancers, as sun exposure can be a catalyst. The Moffitt Cancer Center Mole Patrol® team will conduct free skin screenings for the public at the Pier 60 Pavilion on Clearwater Beach Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oncologists, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses will perform the evaluations. All of the screeners either work in a practice or clinic that specializes in skin cancer, or they have received specialized skin cancer screening training at Moffitt. If the screening staff spots a suspicious lesion, they will provide a follow-up recommendation for further evaluation.

Lois Rendina, coordinator of the Mole Patrol® program at Moffitt, encourages patrons to take the time to stop and get screened. “Practicing sun safety and being diligent about self exams is a good way to catch skin cancer in its early, treatable stages,” Rendina said.

In addition to receiving a screening, participants may also take home sunscreen samples and educational information regarding monthly skin self-examinations, changing moles or lesions and skin cancer prevention and early detection.

Since 1995, Mole Patrol® has screened thousands of Floridians, identifying hundreds of suspicious skin lesions that have resulted in the diagnosis of melanoma, basal and squamous cell cancers.

About H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Mole Patrol®
August 2008-July 2009

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