MDS to host skin cancer screening Published May 10, 2016 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Medical Squadron will host a free skin cancer screening event May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Health Promotions in Building 1540. The event is open to all members of the community with base access. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Further, the AAD estimates that more than 8,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. "Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and everyone is potentially at risk, even those with darker skin colors," said Lt Col Paul Bostrom, a board-certified dermatologist who is also chief of Medical Staff at the 66th Medical Squadron. "While skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, it can be deadly. That's why free screenings like this are so important." Individuals with a history of melanoma should have a full-body exam at least annually and perform regular self-exams to check for new and changing moles. "Unlike other cancers, skin cancer can be detected by a dermatologist during a visual exam of your skin," Bostrom said. "A skin cancer screening only takes a few minutes and it could save your life." No advance registration is required. To learn more about skin cancer, visit https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/screenings. For further information, contact Health Promotion at 781-225-6400.