Dr. Melanie Palm Raises Awareness for Skin Cancer Prevention Month

ENCINITAS, CA -- Dr. Melanie D. Palm of Surfside Dermatology will be volunteering her services throughout May to raise awareness for Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with about 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. The most serious type of skin cancer - malignant melanoma - will kill nearly 8,000 people this year. That means one person dies of melanoma every hour. 

"I stress to patients the importance of a thorough, annual full skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist" states Dr. Melanie Palm. "This should include an examination of the scalp, mucous membranes, eyes, and all body folds. Patients play a crucial role in skin cancer detection. Monthly self exams allow patients to identify new or evolving lesions, allowing earlier detection of skin cancers such as melanoma, which can be life saving." 

Fortunately, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if detected early. But, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, most Americans don't know the warning signs of melanoma and only about one-third examine their skin for signs of skin cancer. 

To address this problem, the American Academy of Dermatology designated May as Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. 

During several weeknights and weekend days in May, Dr. Palm is partnering with healthy-minded businesses in the community to hold special events for their clients so that Dr. Palm may conduct free skin cancer screenings at their locations. In addition to providing the free screenings, community members will learn how to perform self-examinations in order to identify future suspicious moles that should be checked by a qualified dermatologist. 

Throughout the entire month of May, Surfside Dermatology will be raising money for the Skin Cancer Foundation, which is currently the only international organization devoted solely to combating skin cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels. 

At each community event, Dr. Palm and Surfside Dermatology will be accepting donations on behalf of the Skin Cancer Foundation, and a fundraiser party at the end of May is in the works. 

Dr. Palm will be volunteering at the following neighboring businesses: 

Lululemon in the Carlsbad Forum: on Saturday, May 14th from 8:30am - 12:30pm
Cardiffit Gym in the Cardiff Towne Center: on Tuesday, May 17th from 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Frog's Fitness Center in Solana Beach: Sunday, May 22nd from 8:30am - 12:30pm 

Additional events may be scheduled and updates will be listed on Surfside Dermatology's website. 

Dr. Melanie D. Palm is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon who offers a full spectrum of dermatologic and cosmetic care in clinical practice. 

Dr. Palm graduated with high distinction with a joint degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and the Booth Graduate School of Business. Dr. Palm was awarded Intern of the Year and completed her dermatology residency at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's in Chicago, IL. She served as Chief Resident during her final year of training. Dr. Palm completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery fellowship in La Jolla, CA under at Goldman, Butterwick, and Keel. 

Dr. Palm has authored 20 articles in the dermatogical literature and coauthored two book chapters. She is the first author on several review articles including topics such as photoprotection & sunscreen use, cosmetic filler materials, and liposculpture. She was awarded the 2008 Review Article of the Year and the 2009 Young Investigators Writing Competition from the American Society of Dermatological Surgery. She lectures nationally and internationally on laser and filler technology and is the youngest physician to become an educational consultant and physician instructor for Sculptra™ Aesthetic. 

Dr. Palm is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine, California State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. 

Refer to http://www.drheimer.com/about/dr-melanie-palm/ to to learn more about Dr. Melanie Palm and her practice. Dr. Palm is available for interviews.