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C. R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital supplies skin cancer screening

While mostly non-malignant, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and diagnoses continue to increase. In 2008, the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital began a free annual skin cancer screening for community members to promote early detection. Early detection through annual skin cancer screening is key for ensuring timely management and treatment of the disease.

The initiative is focused on increasing screenings for community members who would otherwise not have been screened. Collaboration among multiple providers, healthcare agencies and community partners helps combat health disparities within the community. Community members without insurance or who have limited access to healthcare are referred to resources as needed after their screening. For example, an uninsured patient was navigated to obtain free cancer screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer and for assistance in obtaining affordable health insurance. This program is related to the New York state Prevention Agenda priority area, “Increase Cancer Screening Rates.”

In 2018, an evaluation of screening intake forms at a screening event showed that 81 people had not had a head-to-toe skin screening in the last year. A total of 151 patients attended the screening event, regardless of socioeconomic status. Further, 68 patients stated that they had attended previous screening events through this program and it’s the only way they can afford such a service.

For more information, contact Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN, manager, oncology education and support services, at vyattaw@glensfallshosp.org or (518) 926-6639.