Summer and warmer temperatures are on the way, but enjoying the sunshine also increases your chance of developing skin cancer.
“Northern Nevada [has a] high altitude, high UV index, so very important to get your skin cancer screening once a year.”
That’s according to Dr. Jason Michaels, a dermatologist with The Skin Cancer and Dermatology Institute of Carson City, which hosted its first ever free skin cancer screening clinic to try to connect with people who are overdue for a screening.
Jim Smolemski says he’s a casual sunscreen user and only puts it on at the lake. But all the time in the sun without protection now has him concerned.
“This was my kick in the butt,” he said “I’ve been putting it off and putting it off because I do think I have some issues.”
He has a reason to be worried; studies show one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and one person dies from melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – every hour.
But if you want to see a dermatologist it won’t be easy getting an appointment.
