Sanford Thief River Falls free skin screenings April 24
April 2, 2024
Contact:
Jessica Schindeldecker
Senior Communications Specialist, Sanford Health
(701) 200-6080 / Jessica.Schindeldecker@SanfordHealth.org
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – Sanford Thief River Falls Southeast Campus, 1720 Highway 59 S., will host a free skin screening event for new patients on Wednesday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a waitlist. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please call (218) 681-4747 to schedule your skin screening.
“The free skin cancer screening event is a great opportunity for individuals to take a proactive approach to their health,” said Heather Waldal, CNP, dermatology, Sanford Thief River Falls. “While skin cancer can have serious consequences, early detection greatly enhances the chances of successful treatment.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. The two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly to treat. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and results in more deaths, but is highly treatable if caught early.
“Statistically, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” said Patrick Jahn, NP, dermatology, Sanford Thief River Falls. “The diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancers has increased by nearly 80% in the last 30 years which is why it is so important to get checked.”
Individuals with risk factors such as prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning beds, a family history of skin cancer or the presence of unusual moles or spots are strongly encouraged to undergo a skin screening.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
