By Carolyn Maschke
While Southwest Georgia residents enjoy outdoor activities during the summer they may be putting themselves at risk of the most common form of cancer in the United States – skin cancer.
“That’s why the Dougherty County Health Department’s July 9 Lunch and Learn is `Protecting Your Precious Skin from Skin Cancer,’” said Public Health Nurse Specialist Alice Rodman, R.N.
“The two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But melanoma, the third most common, is more dangerous, especially among young people,” she said.
The Lunch and Learn will be in the Education Center at the Dougherty County Health Department, 1710 South Slappey Blvd. from noon to 1 p.m.
Rodman said 65 percent to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, or sunlight.
UV radiation comes from other sources besides the sun.
“It comes from sunlamps, tanning beds and tanning booths,” Rodman said. “It is important to know that your risk of skin cancer is related to your lifetime of exposure to UV radiation. The damage you do at an early age may not show up for years.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, most skin cancer appears after age 50.
The guest speaker for the hour-long free Lunch and Learn is Albany dermatologist Dr. Stuart Goldsmith. A “heart healthy” lunch will be provided to all participants.
Although the event is open to the public, to ensure adequate seating and food is provided, please call 430-6230 to register in advance.
