Drexel Dermatology is offering FREE skin cancer screenings on Thursday, May 26, from 9-11 a.m. The screenings will be given at Drexel Dermatology offices at 219 N. Broad Street, 4th floor. No appointments are necessary.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed each year. In addition, more than 68,000 people develop melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.

Mark Abdelmalek, MD, assistant professor in Drexel University College of Medicine's Department of Dermatology, says, "The statistics are pretty sobering, but the good news is that skin cancer is actually one of the most preventable forms of cancer. That's why it's so important that people practice sun safety every day and have any new or changing spots promptly examined by a dermatologist."

The American Cancer Society offers the following recommendations:

• Limit the amount of time spent in direct sun when the sun's rays are most intense, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing when out in the sun, including long sleeves, sunglasses, and a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher on all skin that isn't covered.
• Protect skin even on cool or cloudy days.

Visit Drexel Dermatology for more information about the free screenings and to learn more about skin cancer.