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Sunburns are more than uncomfortable—they’re also a major risk factor for melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

"Melanoma is directly linked to intense exposure to ultraviolet [UV] radiation that leads to blistering sunburns," said Pond Kelemen MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital, and director of the Hospital’s new Melanoma Center. "At midday, these sunburns can occur in less than 15 minutes."

He said that people who are exposed to the sun or have risk factors such as fair skin, freckles or moles should be extra careful about monitoring their skin for changes. If they observe any growth or changes in moles, they should visit a dermatologist.

In conjunction with the opening of the new Melanoma Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center will be offering free skin cancer screenings by Dermatologists Jeffrey Schachne, MD and Cindy Hoffman, DO, on June 5 from 4-8 p.m. Call 914-293-8432 to pre-register for the screening. Pre-registration is required! Click here to pre-register on line.

Kelemen said that he is excited about the opening of the new Melanoma Center at the Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center because it is the only center of its kind in the Westchester/Putnam and lower Hudson Valley area.

The best way to avoid melanoma is to minimize UV exposure. Use a sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher that offers both UVA and UVB protection. The Environmental Working Group recommends choosing a lotion sunblock with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, or avobenzone as its active ingredient. Apply sunblock at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every time you sweat or get wet.

"Incidental UV exposure makes a difference," Dr. Kelemen says. "You should apply sunblock frequently whenever you’re in the sun, even if you’re not at the beach."

If you have concerns about skin cancer, call the Melanoma Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital at 914-734-3175 for an appointment.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community. In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs. NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. Call 914-737-9000