With summer quickly approaching and temperatures rising, there is one program that wants to spread awareness about skin cancer and skin care during the season's high temperatures.
The Skin Cancer Foundation's "Healthy Skin RV" will roll through Santa Monica on June 23 and 24.
The global organization is devoted to prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The foundation's mission is to decrease the rate of skin cancer by educating the public with professional education and research.
This is the third year the 38-foot RV has traveled around the country. The RV, which is customized with two private exam rooms, will be visiting 18 cities - including Santa Monica.
Free full-body skin cancer screenings and the chance to check your sun damage using a Canfield Reveal Imager are on a first come, first served basis.
On June 23, screenings will be available from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the RV will be located at Summer Soulstice (near The Victorian) at 2640/2612 Main Street.
The event on June 24 will take place at 2723 Lincoln Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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It's important to note that both days will be on a first come, first served basis, so arriving early is recommended. Exams will only take about 10 minutes per person and although residents do not have to bring any particular paperwork with them, the foundation does recommend participants to take certain steps before arriving.
To make the most out of the screening, participants should remove nail polish and makeup in advance. They should also notify the doctor if there is a personal or family history of skin cancer and point out during the exam any spots that are new or that have changed.
At each event in Santa Monica, visitors will receive information on the importance of sun protection. While there, they will also learn more from Walgreens specially trained beauty consultants and pharmacists about how to care for sunburns as well as receive information on what type of medication can cause "photosensitivity."
Residents who participate in the screenings will also receive educational materials and Shiseido brand Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+ to take home and use before sun exposure.
The doctors who will be conducting the screenings are local doctors who have donated their time in an effort to save lives, according to the foundation.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
The foundation said it is estimated that 10,710 new cases of melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in California in 2019.
"Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, regardless of age, gender, race, or skin tone," said Laura Bernet, one of the dermatologists volunteering at the event.
The program urges everyone to visit their dermatologist annually, as well as take extra precautions when going out in the sun. In addition to lathering up with sunscreen, people should also practice monthly head-to-toe self-exams at home, the Skin Cancer Foundation says.
"One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70," Bernet said.
"Meaning almost everyone will know someone who has experienced the disease, if they don't actually experience it themselves."
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