WELLAWARE’s small truck is parked outside of plaza 3 at the Broadway medical plaza and will be there throughout the summer checking people for signs of skin cancer.
Nurse Marla Jones says she looks for changes in the size, shape or color of moles. If a patient has 2 of the 3 changes she refers them to a doctor for further testing.
WELLAWARE started the screenings last summer for multiple reasons according to Jones.
“Well we are always looking for ways to reach out to the community and provide service for people to be better informed,” Jones said, “Boone County actually has been shown to have a higher than national average incidents of late stage melanomas or skin cancers.”
Jimmy Wharton came to the screenings because he had melanoma in the past. He also said that his wife thought he should go get checked out.
“We live out in the country so I’m outside a lot. I have a problem with skin cancers and this is a good way to see if I’ve got any more,” Wharton said.
Nurse Pamela Jones said the best way to make sure you don’t get skin cancer is to do self-examinations once a month, especially during the summer. She also suggests using one ounce of sunscreen each time you apply it.
You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-872-9008 and get checked for free this summer on any of these dates:
Thursday, June 19, 9 am- 2 Ppm
Tuesday, July 8, 1-6 pm
Thursday, July 17, 9 am- 2 pm
Tuesday, Aug 12, 1-6, pm
Thursday, Aug 14, 9 am- 2 pm