Allina Health now scheduling FREE skin cancer screenings for Melanoma Monday

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (April 15, 2024) — Allina Health is pleased to offer free skin checks once again on Melanoma Monday, which falls on May 6 this year. Melanoma Monday is held on the first Monday in May every year to raise awareness about melanoma and other types of skin cancers.

Participants must schedule their free screenings. Scheduling for the free appointments opens Tuesday, April 16 at 8:00 a.m. Appointments are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  Walk-in appointments are not available.

To schedule, call 612-262-6800, mention ‘MELANOMA MONDAY’ and indicate the preferred Allina Health location for the screening. If the participant hasn’t been seen at an Allina Health location before, they may be asked to provide basic information to get scheduled.

Allina Health Cancer Institute and Allina Health dermatology will offer the skin cancer screenings at the six Allina Health clinics below.

Allina Health Bandana Square 1021 Bandana Blvd E Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55108	Allina Health Bloomington 7920 Old Cedar Ave S Bloomington, MN 55425-1207	Allina Health Cambridge 701 S. Dellwood Street Cambridge, MN 55008
Allina Health Maple Grove 7840 Vinewood Ln N Maple Grove, MN 55369	Allina Health Savage 6350 W 143rd St Savage Medical Building, Suite 102 Savage, MN 55378	Allina Health Woodbury 8675 Valley Creek Rd Woodbury, MN 55125

“Screenings save lives,” said Allina Health dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, MD. “If found and treated early, melanoma is often curable. Unfortunately, it can have serious consequences when it is not detected. Melanoma Monday provides a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about skin cancer and remind people about the importance of protecting their skin.”

Most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun-safe techniques, such as avoiding tanning beds, using sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing. The ABCDE warning signs can help you find melanoma early:

A – Asymmetry. The mole or lesion is not symmetrical; part of it doesn’t look like the rest.

B – Border. The border of the mole of the lesion is irregular or jagged.

C – Color. The mole has variations in color (black, brown, gray or red) or the color has changed.

D – Diameter. The mole size is greater than 6 mm or the size of a pencil eraser.

E – Evolution. Any change in the mole, such as bleeding, growing, or tenderness.

Not all skin cancers look alike. The signs above are classic symptoms, and some skin cancers may appear different. If you notice any skin changes, particularly a growing, changing or bleeding spot, contact your provider.

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.