7 days ago
Mobile skin cancer screening clinic stops in Toronto this weekend
A leading skin cancer organization is hoping to make it easier for people to find out if a mole might be dangerous with a travelling skin cancer screening clinic that's stopping in Toronto this weekend.
Melanoma Canada created the Mole Mobile in 2023 to help people facing long wait times to see a dermatologist. This year's tour has made stops in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.
The Mole Mobile was at Volvo Toronto on Eastern Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. It will be there again on Saturday and at Oriole Community Centre on Don Mills Road W. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. No appointment is needed.
Angelo DeJesis, of Toronto, stopped by the Mole Mobile to get a mole on his foot checked.
"I think it's one of those things that you just tend to ignore, especially with having skin tags and all. So let's just get it checked out, see what it's about," he said.
DeJesis's mole has been around for two years. He says he's been on a waiting list.
"Getting a dermatologist, it's a pain and hassle. It's a long wait time, too. So having this around here, it's very nice," he said.
In 2023, a Canadian Cancer Statistics report found melanoma is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. New melanoma cases have been rising by approximately 1.4 per cent each year in the U.S. over the past decade, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This year's mole mobile tour is being held in partnership with the Canadian Dermatology Association, according to a Melanoma Canada news release.
Dr. Maria Theresa Torok is a dermatologist working with Mole Mobile.
"I have been thanked multiple times this morning," she said. "I've seen many people who have regular dermatologists and unfortunately because of retirement and or other reasons, they have not been able to get in to see them."
Torok said she's seen a rise in the cases of melanoma due to the aging population and the use of tanning beds. She says she tries to give patients tips on what to look for.
"I give them paperwork in terms of how they can do it for them, mention taking photos if they're motivated of themselves, with a close up with a ruler if anything is concerning them," Torok said.
