Ponte Vedra Dermatology Hosts Free Skin Cancer Screening at Jax Beach

Jacksonville, FL (August 6, 2007) Along with the healthy glow of a suntan also comes skin damage and the increased chance of developing skin cancer.

To help identify potentially deadly melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, physicians and staff from the Ponte Vedra Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery Center will conduct free skin cancer screenings from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, August 12 at the Red Cross Lifeguard Station at Beach Boulevard and First Street in Jacksonville Beach.

"Early detection increases the odds of curing skin cancer, so it’s important that people have themselves checked out – especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors," said Plastic Surgeon Dr. James Hardy, who will conduct the screenings along with Physician’s Assistant Rachael Garcia. "While most skin cancers are not life threatening and can be easily be removed if caught early, we do find the more dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma, more often than we would like," Hardy said.

Dr. Hardy says that five center patients were diagnosed with melanoma in June, a number higher than usual.

"For those people who have never had their skin examined by a dermatologist, the free screening is a good opportunity to spend a few minutes to determine if they have any potential skin problems…and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are cancer free," Dr. Hardy said.

According to the American Cancer Society, Florida is expected to record the second-highest incidence of melanoma skin cancer of all the states in 2007 – 4,300 cases, compared to about 6,300 in California. The agency estimates 59,000 melanoma cases will be reported nationwide this year.

"With early detection about 90 percent of these cases are curable, but we have to be vigilant in monitoring our skin and protecting ourselves daily," Dr. Hardy said.

Ponte Vedra Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery was founded by Dr. David T. Harvey in 1996 as the first dermatology and complete skin care practice in Ponte Vedra Beach. The practice, which moved to an 8,000-square-foot office at 232 Ponte Vedra Park Dr. in 2003, incorporates a medical spa, an on-site ambulatory surgery center and a state-of-the-art laser and dermatology center.

Contact 904-285-7546, e-mail consultation@pvderm.com or visit www.pvderm.com for more information.

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402)