HACKENSCACK, N.J. (May 19, 2011) – The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center's Cutaneous Malignancies Program has partnered with The Promise Foundation to host a skin cancer screening event on Thursday, June 2 from 10am -5pm. This program will feature educational information on skin cancer prevention and offer free skin cancer screenings by appointment only for the community.
"Skin cancer can be a devastating disease, but when caught early it is treatable," said Lisa Gallo-Conklin, President of The Promise Foundation. "We are excited to partner with the John Theurer Cancer Center to support our mission of early skin cancer detection for the local community."
"Make a Promise for Extraordinary Skin Care: Awareness, Prevention, Detection" will be held in the John Theurer Cancer Center's new comprehensive cancer care facility. Physicians will conduct a limited number of free melanoma screenings. Nurses and staff members will also be available to answer questions and provide educational materials.
"The John Theurer Cancer Center is dedicated to serving our community with prevention programs for all types of cancers," said Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chief Innovations Officer and Professor and Vice President of Cancer Services, the John Theurer Cancer Center. "We look forward to working with The Promise Foundation to educate our community about prevention and support early detection at this event and in the future."
Due to limited availability, the skin cancer screenings will be offered by appointment only. You must be 18 years or older to participate. To arrange an appointment, call Health Awareness Regional Program (HARP) at 201-996-2038 or email harp@humed.com.
About Skin Cancer
Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers. Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States, with an estimated 68,130 new cases diagnosed in 2010. According to the American Cancer Society, if caught early, melanoma is treatable. It is the most common form of cancer among young adults ages 25 to 29.
About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. The 14 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of after care services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For more information please go to www.jtcancercenter.org.
About The Promise Foundation
The Promise Foundation was formed in honor of Susan DeZaio, a friend, daughter, wife and mother who passed away at the young age of 45 after a 22-month battle with melanoma. The foundation's mission is to promote awareness of melanoma, promote early detection of the disease, and encourage early diagnosis. In May 2010, The Promise Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event , raising over $100,000 from 400 donors. The Foundation plans to continue its mission in 2011 by hosting more fundraising events, and partnering with organizations in Northern New Jersey to hold melanoma prevention education events. For more information, visit The Promise Foundation's official website, www.promisefoundation.org or send questions by email to thepromise@promisefoundation.org.
Media Contact
Amy Leahing
Widmeyer Communications
646.213.7245
amy.leahing@widmeyer.com
Peggy K. Schunk
Hackensack University Medical Center
(201) 996-3586
pschunk@humed.com