Caroline Medin of Los Altos helps organize Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's free skin-cancer screening

2017 Mar 13

On Saturday, March 25, student members, including Caroline Medin of Los Altos, of the Dermatology Interest Group at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (Geisinger Commonwealth) planned and organized a free skin-cancer screening at the school's Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine Street in Scranton.

Several area dermatologists will screen individuals for skin cancer.

Callie Medin, a second-year student who is helping to organize the event, said, "Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Fortunately, unlike other cancers, it is highly preventable and treatable."

Eduardo Ortiz, a second-year student organizer said, "The goal of this screening is early detection. Dermatologists will perform exams and determine if there are any suspicious areas that require follow-up or treatment. We also want the community to remember that, as the weather gets warmer, it is important to consistently apply sunscreen and be mindful of sun safety."

While people with light skin, hair or eye color; freckles or moles; a family history of skin cancer; and/or chronic exposure to sunlight or UV light may have a greater risk of skin cancer, everyone has some risk and should be screened.

The Dermatology Interest Group at Geisinger Commonwealth seeks to raise awareness of and encourage medical student interest in the specialty of dermatology through educational seminars with guest speakers, faculty and dermatology residents. This is the sixth free skin-cancer screening hosted by the school.