Screeners See Influx of Beachgoers at Annual Pier 60 Event

Experts from Moffitt Cancer Center screened the most beachgoers for skin and head and neck cancers since the COVID-19 pandemic at the annual free screening event at Pier 60 on July 27.

Providers from the Cutaneous Oncology Department’s  Mole Patrol and the Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology Department screened more than 200 people throughout the day, identifying 149 suspicious findings. When an area of concern was found, screeners would share information with patients about next steps and what they should ask their doctor. Fourteen beachgoers were referred for further evaluation. 

The teams were set up under the large pavilion overlooking the water and welcomed anyone who was interested to be screened for free.

“I thought it was a terrific screening,” said Vernon Sondak, MD, chair of Moffitt’s Cutaneous Oncology Department. “We certainly found some things that need to be taken care of.”

Moffitt head and neck and skin cancer screeners were on hand throughout the day Saturday to screen the public at Clearwater's Pier 60.

Skin cancer is increasingly common, especially in Florida. Experts estimate that this year alone, more than 5.5 million people will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer. Prevention is best, of course, including sunscreen, UV protectant clothing and wide brimmed hats, but early detection is also an important tool to ensure you stay healthy.

Head and neck cancers are also fairly common. Doctors say more than 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with head, neck and oral cancers each year and that a majority of the cases are caused by tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption or ultraviolet light exposure.

“It’s important to prevent cancer from starting in the first place or to catch it early,” said Deepa Danan, MD, vice chair of Moffitt’s Head and Neck-Endocrine Department. “Our hope is to catch people who may not regularly go to the dermatologist or know that head and neck cancer is really an issue.”

And with the recent increase in oral cancer diagnoses related to human papillomavirus infections, early detection is more important than ever.

Sondak says the two teams have partnered for the past several years and have perfected their system to move those who want to be screened through the process relatively quickly, which is why the event continues to be a success.

“Our screening team was remarkably efficient and collaborative,” Sondak said. “And the people we screened got in and out very quickly and got on with their day on the beach.”