Baton Rouge General Offers Free Skin Screening

Baton Rouge, La. – Baton Rouge General is offering a free skin cancer screening on Thursday, July 19 at its Bluebonnet campus. The screening will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering attendees the opportunity to have a physician check suspicious spots on the skin.

“More than 3 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year,” said Dr. Kristen Ducote, family practice physician. “And while it is the most common type of cancer, it is also the most treatable. In fact, with early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for most skin cancers is about 95 percent.”

Skin cancer affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups, although the risk is higher in people with fair skin, and light hair and eyes. One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a mole or freckle that changes size, shape, color or texture, especially over a short period of time. This is why self-exams are so important.

The screening at Baton Rouge General is free, but participants should reserve a spot at brgeneral.org. If further testing is necessary, participants will be referred to a dermatologist or other specialist.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as a satellite campus of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.