Rhode Island beachgoers will have the chance to get a free skin cancer screening this summer, with dermatologists from Brown Health Dermatology setting up at Easton’s Beach and four other locations across the state between mid-July and mid-August.
The first local stop is Easton’s Beach in Newport on Friday, July 10, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The remaining events are:
- Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett (part of the Waterman Eco-Challenge)
- Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Scarborough State Beach North, Narragansett
- Friday, Aug. 14, 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Scarborough State Beach North, Narragansett
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — Lincoln Woods State Park beach, Lincoln
Screenings are private and conducted by dermatologists and dermatology residents. The first 100 people at each event will be seen; those who need follow-up will be referred for a dermatology consult. Attendees are asked to wear a bathing suit or clothing that can easily be removed to expose the skin they want checked.
“One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” said John C. Kawaoka, MD, associate professor of dermatology and residency program director at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School. “Every year we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had.”
Health officials emphasized that skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones. In the event of inclement weather, NBC10 will post updates.
The screenings are presented by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Brown Health Dermatology, the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Brown University Health Community Health Institute, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the City of Newport. NBC10 is the media partner.
