July 28 at Duke Island Park, from 5 to 7 p.m.

BRIDGEWATER –The Regional Chronic Disease Coalition (RCDC) of Morris and Somerset counties is sponsoring free skin cancer screening for adults ages 18 and over who are not under the care of a dermatologist on Sunday, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. Screening will be at the Somerset County Park Commission’s Duke Island Park Visitors Center on a first come, first served basis. No appointment or registration is required.

Directions to Duke Island Park can be found under “Additional Information” on the right-hand side of the page at www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/dukeIsland/DukeIslandPk.html

In addition to the screening, giveaways, educational literature and resources will be available. 

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,600 cases of skin cancer in 2013.

While family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light-colored eyes, play a role in determining risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

“Despite the fact that Somerset County ranks among the healthiest counties in New Jersey, skin cancer remains a concern to public health officials,” said Freeholder Mark Caliguire, public health and safety department liaison.  “I encourage residents to take advantage of this free program.  Statistics show that the incidence of many common cancers is falling yet melanoma continues to rise.  As with many cancers, it’s essential that melanoma be diagnosed at an early stage for a positive outcome.

“Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer.  That is why it’s so important to reduce your risk by taking sun-smart precautions,” he said.

Ways to protect yourself from sun exposure include wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat; avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest; using a broad spectrum sunscreen; and avoiding indoor tanning units, booths and beds.

Screenings are part of a free statewide “Choose Your Cover” skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative to promote sun safety and early detection of skin cancer.

For more information on additional locations for “Choose Your Cover” free skin cancer screenings in New Jersey, visit http://chooseyourcover.org/

The RCDC is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention and is administered through the Somerset County Health Department.

For more information on the RCDC, contact Lucille Y-Talbot at 908-203-6077 or visit the Somerset County Health Department website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.