Winneshiek Medical Center's free skin screenings are under way

Dr. James Ott screens patient Eryn Dunlap for skin cancer at WMC. (Photo/text by decorahnews.com's Bob Modersohn

The Winneshiek Medical Center's recent signup for free skin screening filled quickly and patients are currently meeting their appointments.

The free screenings are popular across Winneshiek County each year and the hospital is pleased that they heighten awareness and promote early detection and prevention of skin cancer, said a WMC spokesperson. However, patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider as soon as they have any skin concerns and not wait for the screening.

Eryn Dunlap of Decorah recently was examined by Dr. James Ott, a family physician specializing in skin care, because in her words, "I have moles and dark skin and I wanted to take advantage of the free exam."

"Everyone should be screened for skin cancer beginning at age 20, especially if they have a first-degree relative with a history of melanoma," Dr. Ott said. "Melanoma is at epidemic levels because of time spent in tanning beds.  Tanning in a person's teen or early adult years can cause skin changes that lead to melanoma down the road. When this same person reaches their 30s and has a family with young children, they are suddenly facing skin cancer."