May 13, 2008 — The University of Virginia Health System's Department of Dermatology will offer a free skin cancer screening, co-sponsored by the U.Va. Cancer Center, on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the U.Va. Dermatology Clinic on the third floor of the Primary Care Center at the U.Va. Medical Center.

The screening is free and open to everyone, but individuals must call 924-9333 before May 17 to schedule an appointment.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Because skin cancers are rarely painful, they often go undetected until they become a greater problem. Skin cancer is almost always treatable when caught early. Although anyone can get skin cancer, those with red or blonde hair, blue or hazel eyes, or a significant history of sun exposure are at greatest risk.