Choose Your Cover And Prevent Skin Cancer

Ahh the summer.  Who doesn't love it?  When you hit the beach, you know to always wear sunscreen, right?  Well, many people still opt to go without protection putting themselves at greater risk for skin cancer.  Ocean County is continuing a five-year-old tradition this Saturday with their Choose Your Cover campaign.

Dermatologists from area hospitals will fan out at three locations for the event which helps promote good habits in the sun.  Skin cancer rates continue to skyrocket nationwide each year and it can be very deadly, especially melanoma.  Leslie Terjesen with the Ocean County Health Department urges everyone to stop by and get screened.

Terjesen says "this event has been great for five years at helping people identify their risks of getting skin cancer.  Since we started the program, over 5,000 people have been screened.  Hundreds of people have been referred to a doctor for further testing."

Volunteer physicians, nurses, and support staff from Ocean County hospitals and health departments perform the screening exams.

Terjesen adds "the purpose is to educate the public statewide about sun safety, prevention, and early detection of skin cancer.  We will also have displays up to show people the need for sunscreen and protection."

The locations include Brick Beach Three on Route 35 North, Ortley Beach at 4th and Ocean Avenue by the lifeguard station and Ship Bottom at the 20th Street entrance.

While no appointments are necessary, officials say get there early because the response over the years has been so large, they have had to turn people away in the past.  The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.