Free Skin Cancer Screenings, Giveaways, Resources: June 25 in Warren

Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders
WARREN – Whether you’re heading to the ballpark, beach or your backyard pool, taking a few sun-smart precautions could save your life!
The Somerset County Cancer Coalition (SCCC) is sponsoring free skin cancer screenings for adults ages 18 and over at the Somerset County Park Commission’s Warrenbrook Pool on Saturday, June 25, rain or shine. Screenings will start at 11 a.m. and will end at 1:00 pm. The Warrenbrook Pool is located at 500 Warrenville Rd. 
 Screenings are open to all Somerset County residents and will be performed by SCCC dermatologist volunteers.  As an incentive for residents to make the time to be screened, FREE admission to the pool for the day will be provided to the first 100 adults to be screened. Pre-registration and pool membership are not required to take advantage of the program. Giveaways, educational literature and resources will be available in addition to the screenings.
Directions to the Warrenbrook Pool / Golf Course are available on the Somerset County Park Commission’s website at www.somersetcountyparks.org/genInfo/directions/Warrenbrook.html or by calling the Somerset County Health Department at (908) 231-7155.
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year. While family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
“I encourage residents to take advantage of this free program. Statistics show that the incidence of many common cancers is falling — yet melanoma — which is the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise. As with many cancers, it’s essential that melanoma be diagnosed at an early stage for a positive outcome,” said Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, public health and safety division liaison.
 “Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer. That is why it’s so important to reduce your risk by taking sun-smart precautions,” he said.
Ways to protect yourself from sun exposure include wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat; avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest; using sunscreen; and avoiding indoor tanning units, booths and beds.
Screenings are part of a free statewide Choose Your Cover skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative to promote sun safety and early detection of skin cancer. 
The Somerset County Cancer Coalition is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention and is administered through the Somerset County Health Department.
For more information on the SCCC and to become a member, contact Cancer Coalition Coordinator Lucille Y-Talbot at (908) 203-6077 or visit the Somerset County Health Department website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health and select “Cancer Coalition” from the Community Health Promotion and Wellness Activities menu.