Free skin cancer screenings at Shell Houston Open

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Free skin cancer screenings from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center specialists will be available to the general public for the first time at the Shell Houston Open.

Physicians will perform the screenings in a private area adjacent to MD Anderson's Strike Through Cancer Pavilion near the 18th green.

Screenings take about 10 minutes and appointments are not necessary.

Tournament attendees also can meet with MD Anderson cancer prevention specialists in a group or one-on-one setting to discuss prevention-related topics and learn tips for healthful living.

"Since up to 50 percent of cancer cases in the U.S. can be prevented, educating the public is a critical part of MD Anderson's mission to end cancer," said Therese Bevers, M.D. "As the official cancer center of the PGA TOUR, we have educated millions of people on ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Our goal in offering on-site specialists and free skin cancer screenings at the Shell Houston Open is to continue making an impact on our local community and the golf community at large."

The tournament continues through Sunday, April 2.