We're hitting the road – and taking our mission with us.
Go big or go home – that’s a mantra the Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation has lived by since the beginning. In our inaugural year, we fund-raised over $70,000, an extraordinary feat for a first-year nonprofit. In 2019, we broke the Guinness Book of World Records for largest skin cancer screening in a single day.
We’re at it again in 2020 – with a pledge to screen at least 2020 patients across the state of North Carolina for skin cancer.
Our foundation partners with the American Academy of Dermatology’s SPOTme program to offer free screenings, regardless of health insurance status. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime – with melanoma being the deadliest. North Carolina has the 5th highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country. Our goal is to promote early detection of melanoma and skin cancer.
Powered by a mighty team of volunteer board-certified dermatologists, our screenings are completely free to the public. Simpy sign-up and show up.
Upcoming Dates & Locations
may
september
october
Get Involved
VOLUNTEER
If you’re passionate about sun safety, we’d love to have you on board. Stand together with a united community and be part of the generation that helps ends melanoma. Our Durham and Rocky Mount screenings will be our biggest events and we need volunteers!
DURHAM EVENT (May 2, 2020):
MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
NON-MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
ROCKY MOUNT EVENT (May 16, 2020):
ALL VOLUNTEERS
DONATE
Don’t have the time to volunteer, but still feel the need to help? As you can imagine, it takes a lot of resources to provide free screenings across North Carolina.
The bottom line: It costs us just $10 to screen one patient. How many lives can you afford to save?
DONATE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a skin cancer screening?
A skin cancer screening is a visual inspection of your skin by a medical professional. It’s completely pain free! Our skin screenings are performed by a board-certified dermatologist that donates their time to this cause.
No blood work is conducted at a screening.
Is the screening really free?
Yep! Dermatologists volunteer their time and expertise to provide SPOTme® skin cancer screenings as a free service through the American Academy of Dermatology. There is no need for insurance.
Do I need an appointment?
It’s not required, but your wait time will be much shorter. Check individual events for links to sign up for a time slot.
Why get a screening?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States; in fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for most skin cancer is 95%.
How long will it take?
The actual screening takes approximately 10 minutes, including completing the paperwork and getting your skin checked.
However, wait times to be seen may vary. Please be patient while our amazing team of dermatologists, nurses and community volunteers do their very best to provide you with the best skin screening experience.
Will I have to remove my clothes?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends full-body examinations whenever possible, but it’s not a requirement. If you’re comfortable removing your clothes for the screening, a blanket and gown will be provided. The screening will also take place in private. If not, only exposed areas (face, neck, arms, hands, etc.) will be visually inspected for skin cancer.
Do I have to fill out any forms?
Yep, but it’s short!
The Registration and Report Personal Health Information (PHI) form is used to record your screening with both the volunteer medical personnel and the American Academy of Dermatology. The document also gives you a record of the screening details and should be used for follow-up treatment with your dermatologist if a suspicious lesion is found. The information provided at the bottom of the form communicates your rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your signature is required to demonstrate your acknowledgement of these rights.
What happens if you find a suspicious spot?
You’ll be encouraged to seek a dermatologist for a follow-up treatment. But, remember, with early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for for most skin cancers is about 95 percent!
What do I do if I don't have insurance?
Our screenings are completely free. No insurance is required to see a board-certified dermatologist.
In the event a suspicious spot is identified and you do not have health insurance, you can still get medical care. Check out this site for a few links to free and low-cost clinics near you.
Can I bring a child to be screened?
Yes! There is no age limit on screenings.