In honor of Melanoma Awareness Month, O’Donoghue Dermatology will be hosting a free educational seminar which will be open to the public at their Field Road, Sarasota office.

O’Donoghue Dermatology will be hosting their 2nd Annual Melanoma Awareness Event on Friday, May 10, 2019. The event will begin at 8:30 AM with a coffee social and the presentation which will cover topics including early detection, different treatment options, what to expect through the diagnosis / treatment process, and the risk factors of the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States – skin cancer, will begin promptly at 9:00 AM.

Following the presentation, Dr. O’Donoghue and Physician Assistants, Amy Fenenga, Lorie Masters, and Jameson Pawlik will offer skin screenings to new patients. Tours of the newly-expanded office as well as refreshments, giveaways, and educational materials will be available to all in attendance until 12:00 PM.

The event is free and open to the public, but we do request that you RSVP by calling 941-926-7546 to ensure adequate seating and refreshments for all attendees.

Join us for the most updated information about the most diagnosed form of cancer in the world – skin cancer!

Learn about early detection, treatment options, what to expect through the diagnosis /treatment process and risk factors. Also, this is an opportunity to meet and interact with our four passionate providers: Dr. J Morgan O’Donoghue, M.D., Amy Fenenga, PA-C, Lorie Master, PA-C, and Jameson Pawlik, PA-C.

8:30 to 9am: Coffee Social
9am to 10am: Melanoma Awareness Lecture w/ Q&A
10am to Noon: Skin Screening (new patients only)

Office Tour open to everyone!

Refreshments, giveaways, and educational materials are provided!!  Call and reserve your spot today 941-926-7546

O'Donoghue Dermatology will be offering Free SPOTme® Skin Cancer Screenings * on the following Fridays: August 31, September 7, and September 14, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If it's been a while since your annual skin examination, stop by or, better yet, call 941-926-7546 to schedule an appointment and reduce your possible wait time!

* This is a rapid screening for skin cancer and should not replace or be a substitute for a yearly examination with your physician or dermatologist.

For more information about what to expect from your SPOTme® Skin Cancer Screening, visit: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/screenings/what-to-expect-at-a-screening.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer - combined!

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color, gender or age. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. These facts may be alarming, but because skin cancer is, for the most part, a behavioral disease, it is highly preventable.

About 86% of melanoma and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. That’s why embracing proper sun protection is critical all year-round.

The good news:

Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it early on.

Follow these Prevention Guidelines to stay sun-safe:

• - Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• - Don’t get burned.
• - Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
• - Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• - Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• - Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
•  - Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
•  - Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
•  - See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

How can Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month make a difference?

•  - By encouraging families to adopt good habits like wearing sunscreen and limiting their time in the sun - together.
•  - By motivating educators and administrators to teach kids about the harms of UV radiation and why it’s important to protect yourself.
•  - By identifying community youth leaders who can talk to their peers about taking steps to prevent skin cancer.
•  - And by partnering with a local Hospital, state fair, or similar organization to host a skin cancer screening event.