Wednesday, April 30
The Oncology Department at Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Joel Gordon, MD, dermatologist, will co-sponsor a free skin cancer screening on Friday, May 30, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., in the BFMC Oncology Department. During the screening, Dr. Gordon will examine new growths that are less than one year old; as well as old growths that have changed in color, size, shape, pain level or are causing irritation or bleeding.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 62,480 cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in 2008; 8,420 individuals will die from melanoma.

Dr. Gordon stated, "Though prevention is obviously the best course to take against skin cancer, early detection is the next best solution. If you do have melanoma in its early stages, it can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. If it is not removed in its early stage, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and spread into the body, making it more difficult to control." Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

To register or for more information on skin cancer prevention and detection, call Baystate Health Link at (413) 773-2454, or

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(800) 377-HEALTH. Your calls will be answered Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit our website at: baystatehealth.com/fmc.