Free skin cancer screening event returns Oct. 12
College of Medicine student-run CHOMP Melanoma prevents skin cancer one screening at a time
Oct. 2, 2024 — With more than 100,000 cases of melanoma expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2024 alone, according to American Cancer Society estimates, early detection for the rarest but most dangerous type of skin cancer is paramount. And with exposure to plenty of sunshine, Floridians are especially susceptible to melanoma; the state ranks second in the nation for new cases.
These facts motivated Allison Harmel, M.D. ’21, to establish CHOMP Melanoma in June 2018, during her time as a UF medical student. A student-run group focused on melanoma prevention, education, and awareness, CHOMP Melanoma partners with UF HealthStreet to host two free cancer screening events per year. The next community screening will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at UF HealthStreet, 2401 SW Archer Road.
During the past two years, CHOMP Melanoma has doubled the number of patients served, providing complimentary preventive treatment to more than 160 individuals who might not otherwise have access to dermatological care. For third-year medical students, CHOMP Melanoma co-directors, and aspiring dermatologists Silvija Milanovic, Michaela Rechdan, and Chelsea Rosen, this reminds them how impactful the service continues to be — not just for their medical education, but for people’s lives.
“Getting to work with patients early in our medical training is invaluable in being able to apply our knowledge from the classroom to real-life practice,” Milanovic said. “This is something UF does very well through many facets of our curriculum, and I am grateful to be able to do it through CHOMP in a field I am passionate about pursuing in my future.”
At the screenings, resources from the UF Health Cancer Center, including educational materials and sunscreen, are provided to patients. Volunteers and physicians are also available to assist English- and Spanish-speaking patients.
The Gainesville and greater Alachua County community is encouraged to attend the October free skin cancer screening event. Those interested can contact chompmelanoma@gmail.com for more information and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Rosen said planning the events has allowed her to learn about how to create meaningful solutions to address pressing public health challenges within the community.
“This is a skill I hope to continue developing,” she said. “Volunteering and giving back to the community are things I plan to carry forward as a future physician.”
CHOMP Melanoma operates with the support of faculty adviser Marjorie E. Montanez- Wiscovich, M.D., Ph.D., FAAD, as well as the Dermatology Interest Group at UF, UF HealthStreet, and UF College of Medicine Department of Dermatology faculty and residents.
“It’s important to me as a physician to ensure we have a presence within the community,” said Montanez-Wiscovich, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dermatology. “I want to ensure patients know we are here to serve and help them. As a dermatologist, I want to also educate the community about safe sun practices, skin cancers, and other skin conditions.”
Rechdan said she hopes the screening events promote the benefit of preventive health care, which is especially important when it comes to melanoma, which is highly curable when detected early.
“I hope this event fosters a culture of proactive health behavior, where people feel confident seeking medical care early and understand the importance of prevention,” she said. “Ultimately, I want this event to help save lives.”