Free Skin Cancer Screenings in Cambridge

If you think that by living in Massachusetts, where the Polar Vortex decided to pop by three times this winter, you’re safe from skin cancer, think again. Approximately 200 deaths are caused by melanoma in Massachusetts every year. In fact, in 2010, the Commonwealth tied California for the number of new diagnoses.

That’s why you should stop by CVS on Alewife Parkway on Friday. La Roche-Posay, a skin care brand owned by L’Oreal, has teamed up with Save Our Skin to educate people about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of sun safety, and also to “incite true behavioral change, such as incorporating sun protection in their daily routines and visiting their dermatologists for regular skin checks.”

To stand by this mission, the company is offering free skin cancer checks and samples. According to a news release:

Dermatologist Sarita Nori will be providing free skin cancer screenings, providing sun safety tips, and sharing our findings that skin cancer does not discriminate. Studies show that 1 out of 5 Americans will get skin cancer and although melanoma incidence is higher in Caucasians, the 5-year survival rates for African Americans are significantly lower than that of Caucasians – yet, 65% of those with skin of color feel they are not at risk for skin cancer, 62% have never worn sunscreen and only 17% have had a skin check by a dermatologist.

Friday, June 6; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 211 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge