Free skin cancer screening on Melanoma Monday, May 2

MINNEAPOLIS (April 22, 2021) — Melanoma Monday is back after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. Allina Health will once again be offering free skin cancer screenings on Monday, May 2 to mark the day and remind people that most skin cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but if unnoticed or ignored, can be deadly.

Skin cancer affects one in five Americans and Minnesota has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the nation. Over the past decade, Minnesota is also among several states that have experienced an increase in both melanoma incidence and death rates from the disease.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk for melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone follow these sun protection guidelines:

  • Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest;
  • Seek shade whenever possible;
  • Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and re-apply every two hours;
  • Wear sun-protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses; and
  • Follow the "Shadow Rule" -- if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to sunburn.

"Skin cancer has a 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early,” said dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, M.D., one of the Allina Health dermatologists who will help conduct the free cancer screenings. "Melanoma Monday serves as a way to encourage everyone to practice sun-safe behaviors and conduct regular skin self-examinations. I hope Americans will take advantage of the free screening opportunities being provided."

Allina Health is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the free skin cancer screenings being offered. They are available to anyone, but an appointment is required and slots are limited. After the screening, patients will receive recommendations for further follow-up and/or biopsy, if needed.

Call 612-262-6800 to reserve a time on Monday, May 2 at one of the following Allina Health locations:

Allina Health Bandana Square Clinic
1021 Bandana Blvd. E., Suite 100, St. Paul
From 2 – 4 p.m.

Allina Health Bloomington Clinic
7920 Old Cedar Ave. S., Bloomington
From 1 – 3 p.m.

Allina Health Clinic Buffalo (Buffalo Hospital campus)
303 Catlin St., Buffalo
From 9 – 11:15 a.m.

Allina Health Cambridge Clinic
701 Dellwood St. S., Cambridge
From 2 – 4 p.m.

Allina Health Fridley Clinic
500 Osborne Road NE #150, Fridley
From 7 – 9 a.m.

Allina Health Maple Grove Clinic
7840 Vinewood Lane N., Maple Grove
From 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Allina Health Savage Clinic
6350 143rd St. W. #102, Savage
From 1 – 4 p.m.

About Allina Health

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.