A Race Event That Could Save Your Life

A unique 5K event offers multiple health benefits for runners. The SCAN Foundation (Skin Cancer Awareness Network) hosts its third annual race next Saturday, May 23 at Perimeter Place in Atlanta. Starting at 7:00 a.m., dermatologists will offer complimentary skin spot checks. At last year’s event, doctors found one melanoma, and several basal cell carcinomas and other pre-cancerous lesions.

Why is it important for runners to pay attention to skin cancer? Here are a few facts to consider:

· Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.
· More cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year than breast, lung and prostate cancer combined
· Approximately 90% of all skin cancers result from over exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight

Warm weather often means runners spend more time outside, which makes their skin vulnerable to over exposure. Runners can reduce their risk by using sweat-resistance sunscreens. While cancer is scary, the good news for skin cancer diagnosis is a 96% cure rate when it’s discovered early.

Registration for the race is available at SCAN’s site, at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co. locations. You can also sign-up at the event. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. The running route is available at SCAN’s site

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