With one in five Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70, being diligent about sun protection and regular skin checks can be life-saving.
Health First Dermatology's "Race the Sun 5K" is set for Saturday, April 20, at Health First's Viera Hospital, 8745 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Participants can register here through April 18. Packet pick-up and registration will be offered on-site from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. that day, with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. Awards will be handed out for overall best times for men and women, as well as medals for specific age groups.
Health First, which is dedicated to improving the wellness and health of all Brevard County residents, is hosting the event at no cost to the community. By not charging any registration or participant fees, the organization hopes to raise awareness about melanoma, the least common but most serious form of skin cancer, which is mostly caused by sun exposure. In 2019, an estimated 192,310 cases of the potentially deadly skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Melanoma usually appears as a dark brown or black mole with uneven borders and irregular colors, or has shades of black, blue, red or white. Melanoma most commonly occurs on the upper backs of men and women, and on the lower legs of women. It can also develop on the face, scalp, fingers, toes and any other area of the body.
Moles that change can indicate a serious problem. Moles that change in size, color, shape - or those that develop an irregular border, itch, crust, bleed or become painful - should be examined by a dermatologist.
To learn more about protecting the health of your skin, visit HF.org/dermatology.
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