The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is teaming up with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center this year to provide skin cancer screenings for spectators at THE PLAYERS Championship.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12 to May 15, physicians from MD Anderson in Houston and Baptist MD Anderson in Jacksonville will be at TPC Sawgrass to conduct the screenings, which take approximately 10 minutes. Appointments(https://skincancercheck.eventbrite.com) are available but not required and walk-ups are welcome. The screenings will take place in a private area at the adjoined MD Anderson fan zone and Baptist MD Anderson first aid center, located inside the Nicklaus Gate.
“Since becoming the official cancer center of the PGA TOUR last year, MD Anderson has offered skin screenings at six events, screening 216 players and caddies thus far,” said Tom Buchholz, MD, executive vice president and physician-in-chief at MD Anderson. “Through this partnership with Baptist MD Anderson, we are advancing our shared mission of eliminating cancer.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and one of the most preventable. The 2016 PLAYERS Championship marks the first time MD Anderson has used the PGA Tour as a platform to reach hundreds of thousands of people in the fight against cancer. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center joined MD Anderson’s Cancer Network as a partner in October 2015.
“By providing skin cancer screenings at THE PLAYERS, we are able to educate the public on the importance of sun safety and cancer prevention,” said Bill Putnam, MD, medical director of Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. “This collaboration with MD Anderson allows us to reach more people with these convenient services that will truly make a difference in our community.”
