Free Skin Cancer Screenings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 5, 2016

Local providers team up to offer free skin cancer screenings April 23

BEND, Ore. — As part of a campaign to encourage early detection and prevention of skin cancer, Bend Dermatology Clinic, Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) Dermatology, Deschutes County Health Services and St. Charles Cancer Center are teaming up to offer free screenings Saturday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

More than 3.5 million skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually in the United States. Contributing factors can include elevation, abundant sunshine, outdoor recreation and tanning.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five individuals will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Oregon has the fifth highest rate of melanoma per capita in the nation, and Deschutes County has the highest rate of melanoma incidence in the state. But while skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, it’s also the most preventable.

“Proper sun protection is essential year-round since the sun’s ultraviolet rays are present every day,” said Oliver Wisco, DO, FAAD, FACMS, a board certified dermatologist who is dual fellowship trained in Melanoma and Mohs Surgery. “Ensuring you are applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and avoiding excessive sun exposure will reduce your risk of skin cancer and help prevent future damage as well as wrinkles and brown spots.”

The free skin cancer screenings—performed by the Bend Dermatology Clinic and Bend Memorial Clinic Dermatology—will be held at Deschutes County Health Services at 2577 NE Courtney Drive in Bend. Appointments can be made at http://bit.ly/skinscreen2016.The event is open to both insured and uninsured residents of Central Oregon.

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond, and owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 3,800 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

About Bend Memorial Clinic

Bend Memorial Clinic includes more than 130 providers representing 30 specialties including Urgent Care, Primary Care, Specialty Care, Imaging and Clinical Services. With five locations BMC is the largest multi-specialty group in Central Oregon and provides quality, convenient healthcare known as TotalCareTM. The Clinic has provided primary and specialty care since 1946. For more information, please visit typethinkbmc.wpengine.com.

###

Media Contact

St. Charles Health System
Contact: Lisa Goodman
Phone: 541-706-5958
Cell: 541-241-0467
Email: lmgoodman@stcharleshealthcare.org
Bend Memorial Clinic
Contact: Katy Wooderson
Phone: 541-706-6589
Cell: 541-639-6848
Email: kwooderson@bmctotalcare.com