West Dermatology Tells "Skin Cancer, Take a Hike", Raises Nearly $67K

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The premier network of dermatology and skin cancer centers in the southwest United States, West Dermatology, tirelessly champions the fight against skin cancer. Its network of community dermatology practices does this not only by delivering state-of-the-art treatment but also by raising awareness about prevention and early detection. On November 10, 2018, at Moonlight Beach State in Encinitas, CA, the doctors and staff put their best foot forward with patients and neighbors from around the San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs area with a beach hike charity event that raised nearly $67,000 for the SPOT Skin Cancer™ initiative of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Says West Dermatology CEO Chris Kane of the event, "We're so grateful to everyone who turned out to hike with us along Moonlight State Beach. It was very exciting to see so many people make such a commitment to helping us raise money to support the AAD's campaign. Despite all the evidence stating that prevention and early detection can lead to saving lives from skin cancer, there are still so many people who don't know how simple it is to prevent skin cancer and stay alive, yet while still enjoying the outdoors."

The short, 2.6-mile hike went a long way in raising awareness, as the proceeds went to the AAD in order to help:
Offer skin cancer screenings for more people across the country free of charge
Provide better access to free resources to help children and others find out how to protect their own skin
Construct permanent shade structures for outdoor play areas and communal areas

These kinds of initiatives and resources are crucial to helping the AAD achieve its goal of completely eradicating skin cancer throughout the world.

"About 20% of all Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives," says Mohs surgeon Dr. Shane Hamman, "and, while everyone should have the best skin cancer care and treatment possible, we want to help patients help themselves. The proceeds we raised from this event will help build that awareness in ways that are tangible and easy to access, such as for building sunscreen dispensers at outdoor recreation areas. Prevention and early detection are paramount to beating skin cancer."

Creating awareness about skin cancer and helping people make these simple changes, which can actually save their lives, is only part of what West Dermatology does for its patients and its communities. The West Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in San Diego, La Jolla and Hillcrest are one-of-a-kind facilities that provide a wide range of treatments and therapies designed to keep patients' skin healthy. To find out more about West Dermatology please visit http://WestDermatology.com.

Says Dr. Kimberly Butterwick, "Many people are surprised when we tell them that they can save their own lives by knowing their skin and noticing changes in it. For example, a spot on the skin that changes color, size, or shape should be examined as quickly as possible by a trained, experienced dermatologist so we can determine if it's malignant or not and then decide on a customized treatment plan. Even if patients don't notice such changes, they should still schedule an appointment once a year for their annual skin check so we can check in those hard to see places, such as the back."

Adds Mr. Kane, "Too many people die from melanoma – almost one American per hour. But it doesn't have to be that way, as I'm living proof of what early detection can do. So we hope this event will help raise enough awareness that anyone reading about this will be motivated to protect their skin and get their skin checked."

For more than 60 years, West Dermatology provided patients with the best treatment possible through a combination of expertise, compassion, convenience, and comprehensive care. With multiple locations across the West Coast in California, Nevada, and Arizona, West Dermatology offers a network composed of millions of patients with 24/7 access to doctors, records, and bill payment.

For more information please visit http://www.WestDermatology.com

West Dermatology
680 Newport Center Drive
Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(702) 933-0225
[email protected]

SOURCE West Dermatology