The Wright Center to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings 

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening.

With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, empowering individuals to take steps toward protecting their skin health.

Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, and an estimated 8,430 people will die from it this year.

Dr. Younan rallied other resident physicians to volunteer for the program to fulfill The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of regional communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. 

“Residents will gain valuable experience in identifying the most common cancer globally, while their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will enable them to educate patients on preventive strategies,” Dr. Younan said. “Additionally, our diverse group of residents can provide patient education in over 10 languages, which is crucial in getting our message out.”

That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%.

“I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”