Free skin screenings provided by MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist MD Anderson return to THE PLAYERS Championship

Spectators can receive free skin screenings at the nationally recognized golf tournament during Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center are teaming up for the second consecutive year to provide complimentary skin cancer screenings for spectators at THE PLAYERS Championship, May 11-14, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Dermatologists from MD Anderson in Houston and Baptist MD Anderson in Jacksonville, Florida, will conduct the screenings in a convenient private, air-conditioned area of the adjoining MD Anderson fan zone and Baptist MD Anderson first aid center, situated near the merchandise tent behind No. 17. Screenings take approximately 10 minutes and will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Appointments are available, but not required. Walk-ups are welcome.

At the 2016 tournament, more than 250 people received free skin screenings. This year, to reduce wait times, there will be more physicians conducting screenings.

"Our mission is to eliminate cancer, and this takes many approaches," said Thomas Buchholz, M.D., executive vice president and physician-in-chief, MD Anderson. "As the Official Cancer Center of the PGA TOUR, we have a unique and powerful platform to raise awareness of cancer prevention to hundreds of thousands of people. We have screened hundreds of players, caddies and fans at tournaments across the nation and look forward to providing this important service again."

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and one of the most preventable. Offering skin screenings at THE PLAYERS Championship is one example of how the two cancer institutions are working together to combat the disease. Baptist MD Anderson joined MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson, as a partner member in October 2015.

"The opportunity to educate the public on the importance of sun safety and cancer prevention is invaluable," said Christopher Pezzi, M.D., head of the Division of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief of Baptist MD Anderson. "Our collaboration with MD Anderson allows us to reach more people with these convenient services that make a difference in our local and national communities. Nearly half of those screened last year were referred to their doctor for follow-up."

For more information on MD Anderson and the PGA TOUR visit mdanderson.org/golf. To make an appointment for cancer treatment or for more information about Baptist MD Anderson, visit baptistmdanderson.com or call 1-844-MDA-BAPTIST (1.844.632.2278).