With the summer season right around the corner, the region’s biggest health system and a Long Island town are teaming up to fight against the most common form of cancer. Northwell Health and the town of North Hempstead are teaming up to provide free skin cancer screenings at town parks and pools, as well as offering free sun screen at those locations and town beaches. “Prevention is key,” said North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena at Manorhaven Beach park and pool, where the initiative was announced.
A dermatologist from Northwell Health will be conducting the cancer screenings inside a mobile van that will be visiting several town parks on Wednesdays in July. Dr. Silvija Gottesman, a dermatologist, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to catch skin cancer early, stating, “It’s much easier to treat skin cancer when it’s caught early.” A woman from New Hyde Park shared her experience of visiting the mobile van last year and having a “freckle” on her skin detected as melanoma. “It saved my life,” said Maureen Smith, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
During a follow-up visit, Maureen Smith mentioned that another potentially dangerous spot on her skin was found and treated by the dermatologist. Dr. Gottesman highlighted the fact that many New Yorkers lack access to a dermatologist and some tend to delay skin cancer screenings, despite the importance of getting them done annually. “What can you lose?” Smith questioned, reflecting on her positive experience with the free screening that ultimately added years to her life.
