GRAVETTE -- Ozarks Community Hospital of Gravette is offering free skin cancer screenings on Aug. 7 and 14, in recognition of UV Safety Month. Dr. Hilton McDonald, who has helped identify and treat hundreds of skin cancer patients, will be performing the evaluations.
The screenings will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both dates at the OCH Specialty Clinic, located on the second floor of the hospital in Gravette. There is no appointment necessary and all are welcome to come.
It is reported that more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. UV Safety Month is a reminder to all that, while it is important to spend time outside, the sun can cause damage, especially during the summer months, if not monitored.
McDonald said people often put off having a spot on their skin checked, but if detected early, there is a 99% survival rate among these patients at the 5-year mark.
"Skin cancer comes from a lifetime of sun exposure and often tanning beds," McDonald explained. Some of the common indicators of skin cancer include new spots that change in size or color, red patches, sores, itchy or painful spots, rough textures on the skin and sores that do not heal."
Initial screenings are free but it is important to bring your photo ID and insurance card for OCH to have on file in case further treatment is needed following the screening. Dr. McDonald will discuss options with each patient.
Due to current policies, masks are required and patients are to enter through the front doors of the hospital for screening upon arrival.
Ozarks Community Hospital is a tri-state safety-net healthcare provider headquartered in Gravette, serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Ozarks. OCH includes a multitude of clinics located in southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. OCH locations can accept Medicaid, Medicare, UHC Military and other insurances. For more information, visit www.OCHonline.com.