Media advisory - Canadian Dermatology Association hosts skin cancer screenings at Skin Matters Conference

TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of Canadian Dermatology Association's ongoing efforts to educate the public about the importance of sun protection and knowing what to look for when conducting a skin cancer self-exam, the CDA and Toronto-area dermatologists will be hosting a free skin cancer screening during the free Canadian Skin Patient Alliance conference, Skin Matters taking place October 12-14, 2012.

	Who:		Dr. Gordon Searles, CDA President (Saturday only)
			Various Toronto-area dermatologists and dermatology residents
	What:		Skin Cancer Screening
			Interview and Photo Opportunity
	When:		Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
			Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
	Where:		Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel
			Simcoe Room (one floor below the main lobby)
			525 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5G 2L2
	Why:		To highlight the need for sun protection and early detection education

Background:

• One person dies every day in Ontario from melanoma skin cancer
• 7 people a day are diagnosed with this potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
• There were 2,500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Ontario last year, with 420 deaths.
• Melanoma is one of a small number of cancers in Canadians that continues to increase in incidence - 1.4% a year between 1997 and 2006). (Source Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011)
• Research shows that 53% of melanoma skin cancers are discovered by the patients themselves and a further 17% by their family members.

Other relevant information:

• Skin cancer statistics and fact sheets will be available on-site
• Digital photos of skin cancers will also be made available upon request

 

SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association

For further information:

Jennifer Scott, Communications Director
Office: 613-738-1748 | Cell: 613-447-8611
[e-mail]

Laura Craig, Communications Coordinator
Office: 613-738-1748  |  [e-mail]