The Grundy County Health Department will partner with Cleaver Dermatology to offer free skin cancer screenings Friday, July 17, in Trenton.

Screenings will be available from 9 a.m. to noon at the health department, 1716 Lincoln St. Appointments are encouraged, although walk-ins will be accepted as time allows.

Community members may schedule an appointment by calling the Grundy County Health Department at 660-359-4196.

“We encourage anyone who has a spot or mole they’ve been wondering about to take advantage of this free opportunity,” Grundy County Health Department Administrator Elizabeth Gibson said.

“Early detection makes all the difference, and this is an easy, no-cost way to get peace of mind,” Gibson said.

During the event, a physician from Cleaver Dermatology will examine specific areas of skin that participants have identified as concerning. The screening will not include a full-body examination and is not intended to replace a comprehensive examination by a dermatologist.

Health officials encourage residents to become familiar with the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma, considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. Warning signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, a diameter larger than 6 millimeters and changes in a spot’s size, shape or color.

The letter E stands for evolving and refers to a spot that looks different from surrounding spots or has changed in size, shape or color. Residents who notice any of these warning signs are encouraged to have the area evaluated by a medical professional.

Appointments may fill quickly, and residents interested in receiving a screening are encouraged to call ahead. Additional information is available by contacting Gibson at 660-359-4196 or egibson@grundycountyhealth.org.