The Don and Dana Myers Cancer Center in Seymour will offer free skin cancer screenings from 2 to 4 p.m. April 10 and 1 to 4 p.m. May 14.

The screenings are intended for those who are not currently being seen by a dermatologist. You must have a scheduled appointment to participate, and time slots are limited.

More than half of all new cancers are skin cancers, and more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to a news release. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of Americans living to the age of 65 will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime.

Sally Acton, director of Cancer and Palliative Care Services at Schneck Medical Center, said the key to the successful treatment of most types of skin cancer is early detection.

“Skin cancer is cured in 85 to 95 percent of all cases; however, if detected early enough, the cure rate could be near 100 percent,” Acton said. “This is especially critical in the most deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma. Early detection of melanoma can literally be the difference between life and death. It is essential patients perform regular self-skin checks and have routine exams by their dermatologist or primary care physician.”

Screenings are not intended for diagnosis of rashes or other skin problems and should not be a replacement or substitution for regular visits to a physician.

To schedule a screening, call 812-522-0477 and leave your name and phone number, and your call will be returned promptly.