Moffitt Cancer Center’s Mole Patrol® Hits Clearwater Beach Aug. 9CLEARWATER – The Mole Patrol®, a team of skin cancer specialists from Moffitt Cancer Center, will provide free skin cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 9, at Pier 60 Pavilion on Clearwater Beach. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. “People need to understand that the sun is not their friend. No matter your skin tone, everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer,” said Dr. Vernon Sondak, division chief of Cutaneous Oncology at Moffitt. “Any amount of sun exposure that changes the appearance of your skin is doing damage, both in the short term and long term, to your body. If you are going to be out in the sun for any period of time, you need to wear the proper attire that provides sun protection and liberally apply sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays.” Participants will have the opportunity to discuss sun-exposed areas of concern with oncologists and dermatologists. The team will be looking for the two major types of skin cancer: nonmelanoma and melanoma – both related to sun exposure. Screening slots are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be provided with local resources on how to proceed if additional follow-up is needed. This is the 12th year for the Mole Patrol® at Clearwater Beach. The Mole Patrol® traditionally screens about 200 beachgoers, lifeguards and beach security personnel during the course of this annual event.
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