Yale Dermatologists Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings at Pilot Pen — Mayor DeStefano Declares August 17th "Play Safe in the Sun" Day

To help combat the rising melanoma rates in younger women, a volunteer team of Yale School of Medicine dermatologists representing the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) will provide free skin cancer screenings for spectators at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament in New Haven, Conn. on August 17.

To help combat the rising melanoma rates in younger women, a volunteer team of Yale School of Medicine dermatologists representing the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) will provide free skin cancer screenings for spectators at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament in New Haven, Conn. on August 17. 

The “Play Safe in the Sun” WDS initiative targets outdoor enthusiasts who face a heightened risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. The New Haven outreach is co-chaired by Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology faculty members and WDS members Mona Gohara, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology and Sumaira Aasi, M.D., assistant professor in dermatology. The pair has organized a volunteer team of fellow New Haven dermatologists to offer free skin cancer screenings, sun safety education and free sunscreen to spectators at this important final tennis match before the U.S. Open.

Gohara notes the importance of protecting the skin from the cumulative effects of sun exposure starting at an early age. “On a daily basis, this means applying an ounce (ping-pong ball size amount) of broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outdoors, re-applying every two hours and seeking shade whenever possible.” These principles of sun safety are not limited to sunny days, adds Dr. Aasi, who states that the sun’s harmful rays shine through even under cloudier skies.

“Stay covered, wear your sunscreen, hat and protective sunglasses!” she said.

In commemoration of the WDS event, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. will declare Sunday, August 17 as “Play Safe in the Sun” Day citywide to promote skin cancer awareness and sun protection for local citizens.

Tennis fans may visit the WDS tent at the Connecticut Tennis Center, Yale University, on “Kids Day,” Sunday, August 17, between 9 am-4 pm for free skin checks, sunscreen and sun safety tips.

The “Play Safe in the Sun” outreach draws from the organization’s 1,600 dermatologist members to provide local volunteers to increase sun safety awareness and promote healthy skin practices among outdoor sports enthusiasts.

For further information, please visit: Play Safe in the Sun or Women’s Dermatologic Society.

A Yale netcast by Drs. Gohara and Aasi is available on Yale on iTunes U.

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Media Contact

Karen N. Peart: karen.peart@yale.edu, 203-980-2222