UNM Health Offers Free Skin Cancer Screens in ABQ, Rio Rancho Saturday

University of New Mexico Hospital and Sandoval Regional Medical Center will host no-cost skin cancer screenings Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at their dermatology clinics in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. The events, part of the American Academy of Dermatology's Spot Me campaign, require no appointments, referrals or insurance cards; anyone checked in by 11:30 a.m. will be seen. UNM School of Medicine students will support the screenings, providing immediate reports and follow-up options if abnormalities are detected.

Led by initiatives from the UNM Department of Dermatology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, these screenings target New Mexico's 'dermatology deserts'—underserved rural and remote areas with limited access to specialists. Dr. John Durkin launched the program in 2019 to address cancer disparities, expanding free events to communities like Carlsbad, Gallup, Taos and Albuquerque. Donations to the Ryan D. Daniell Memorial Fund sustain the effort, funding mobile screenings across the state.

New Mexico's intense high-desert sun amplifies skin cancer risks, making early detection critical. The free, all-ages screenings encourage residents to prioritize prevention during Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May. UNM urges the public to arrive early for walk-in service at the Albuquerque dermatology clinic and Rio Rancho's Radiation Oncology Clinic locations.