PUBLIC SKIN SCREENINGS AT THE CANCER CENTER AT CLARA MAASS LEAD TO DOCTOR RECOMMENDED FOLLOW-UPS

The middle of the summer is the perfect time to remind people to protect their skin while spending time in the sun.

However, the Cancer Center at Clara Maass Medical Center (CMMC) and Dominick J. Ligresti, MD, Medical Costmetic and Surgical Dermatologist, recently took summer skin care one step further.

Dr. Ligresti met with 21 people at the second-ever skin screening held at CMMC and then took time to examine patients who wished to be seen. When the event was over, he advised 6 men and women to schedule follow-up appointments.

“It means a lot to be able to provide skin screenings to the public,” says Dr. Ligresti. “Such opportunities have the potential to save a life or to prevent a future condition, which, in the long run can save people and their families a lot of time, pain and money.”

It is the second time Dr. Ligresti has volunteered his time to see patients at the Cancer Center. This screening, held in mid-July, was open to both CMMC employees and the public. Prior to the individual screenings, Raylene Langish, RN, Oncology Nurse Educator at CMMC, provided an educational discussion regarding the sun’s effects on the skin, and how to protect the skin.

 Those who attended asked how best to protect both children and the elderly from the sun’s rays.

Complimentary skin screenings and educational seminars for the public are just some of the services offered at the Cancer Center at CMMC, said Jill Wargo, Director of the Cancer Center.  Wargo said the Cancer Center provides needed services at a convenient location, which makes it easier for visitors who may not have thought to schedule skin screening appointments otherwise.

 “We want local community members to be aware that we are not just a center for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Jill said. “We aim to be a center that also focuses on cancer prevention and education.”