Newport beachgoers will have the opportunity to receive free skin cancer screenings at Easton’s Beach this month as part of a statewide initiative to promote early detection and prevention.
The Rhode Island Department of Health, Brown Dermatology, and partners will offer complimentary skin checks on Friday, July 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the popular Newport beach. The screening is one of four events scheduled at Rhode Island parks and beaches between mid-July and mid-August.
“Along with getting in the shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a skin check is the most important thing you can do to protect against skin cancer,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, which is why all Rhode Islanders should take advantage of these free, convenient skin cancer checks.”
The screenings will be conducted by dermatologists and dermatology residents affiliated with Brown Dermatology, with the first 100 people at the event eligible for screening. All examinations will be conducted privately, and participants are asked to wear bathing suits or clothing that can easily be removed to reveal areas of skin they would like checked.
Dr. John C. Kawaoka, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Residency Program Director at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, emphasized the importance of regular skin checks, noting that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
“Everyone is at risk, even those with darker skin tones,” Kawaoka said. “We will once again be at the local beaches and parks doing skin cancer screenings as part of Skin Check. Every year we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had.”
Those requiring follow-up care will be referred for dermatology consultations. The initiative is supported by multiple partners, including the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Brown University Health Community Health Institute, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The Skin Check program also includes screenings at Scarborough Beach North in Narragansett on July 12 and August 2, and Lincoln Woods State Park on August 15.
Beyond screening, health officials stress the importance of sun safety prevention measures, including applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding indoor tanning.
NBC10 (WJAR) serves as the media partner for the Skin Check screening events.