The Wayne State University Physician Group's dermatology department is offering free skin cancer screenings on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at 1-4 p.m. at the Karmanos-Crittenton Cancer Center at 1901 Star Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309. Alice Watson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in melanoma and other skin cancers, will perform the screenings.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and the number of cases keeps rising each year. It is estimated that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer. Approximately 70,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanoma - the most common form of skin cancer and cancer in general - in 2009 (compared with 48,000 in 2000).

The most common symptoms are changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or skin growth over a period of weeks to a couple of months. Changes in pigmentation that are not consistent and irregularities in color distribution also are early detections of skin cancer. More serious symptoms include headaches, unexplained weight loss or bleeding from a mole.

There is no charge to participate in the screening. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (586) 939-6400. Walk-ins will be accepted.