Trinity Health will host a free Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening for the public Wednesday, June 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. The screening event will be held at the Trinity CancerCare Center at Town & Country Center in Minot.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with melanoma considered to be the most dangerous. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age of 70, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It’s expected that more than 7,000 will die from melanoma this year.

“Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family by catching skin cancer early,” said Ann Welch, a dermatology nurse practitioner who will be among the medical professionals conducting the screening. “Annual screening is the most effective way to detect skin cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.”

Risk factors for skin cancer include sun exposure, tanning bed use, family history of skin cancer, and/or unusual moles or spots, according to the AAD. Research indicates that experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one’s melanoma risk by 80 percent. Symptoms include a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body.

Appointments for the screening are required and available by calling 857-3535. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.