Latest news with #MelanomaCanada
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
New study shows rates of melanoma on the rise in Canada
There's growing awareness about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, and sunburns, especially for young people. But a recent study published in the BMJ Public Health is highlighting a troubling upward trend in deadly skin cancer cases in Canada. Dermatologists in Canada say the warnings people are getting are not translating into widespread or effective sunscreen use. Dr. Julia Carroll, a board certified dermatologist and national chair of the Mole Mobile for Melanoma Canada, talks about the research and why people need to take the sun seriously.
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Islanders urged to prioritize sun safety as skin cancer rates rise in Canada
Social Sharing As Islanders prepare to soak up the sunshine this summer, experts say it's crucial to take sun protection seriously given the rising rates of skin cancer across Canada. A new study from Melanoma Canada shows more than 11,000 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2024 — a 17 per cent increase over the previous year. An increasing number of those new cases appeared in young people. Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada, said men continue to be diagnosed more frequently than women. Of Canada;s 11,300 new skin cancer patients, 6,500 were men and 4,800 were women. "We also need to be talking about the death rate, which is also on the rise. A lot of Canadians don't realize that skin cancer can be deadly — 1,300 deaths each year, so about three to four a day, and 850 out of those are men," Katz told CBC's Island Morning. The study points to two major reasons behind the increase, one of which is a lack of sun safety practices, partly due to the spread of false information, Katz said. "There's a lot of misinformation out there online on sunscreens not being safe or even causing cancer. They're totally untrue. All sunscreens in Canada are reviewed by Health Canada… so they are perfectly safe," she said. She added that Canada's aging population is also contributing to the rising number of cases, since both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are more commonly diagnosed in older adults. Support available on P.E.I. Health P.E.I. told CBC News that Islanders without a family doctor who are concerned about possible skin cancer, such as a suspicious mole, can reach out for advice through the virtual health-care service Maple. Those already registered on the P.E.I. patient registry can use Maple for free. The service lets them consult a health-care professional who can refer them to a local clinic for in-person assessment. How to protect your skin from the sun Katz said using sunscreen is an important first step in protecting your skin, but the wide variety of products can make it hard to know which one to choose. She recommends choosing broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher — ideally 50 or higher — to protect your skin from both UVA rays (which cause the skin to look older) and UVB rays (which cause burns). "There are chemical and mineral sunscreens available. Check out the ingredients and pick the one that's best for you. Ideally, apply it 20 to 30 minutes before you're going outside in the sun," Katz said. "And [it's] really important to make sure you're reapplying every two hours or more often, if you're swimming or sweating." For those who can't or don't want to wear sunscreen, Katz said covering up is essential. That includes wearing sun-protective clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, or at least using tightly woven fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. She also recommends avoiding peak UV hours — usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — and checking the daily UV index on a weather app or website. This week, P.E.I. had several days where the index reached 6 or 7, which is in the range of high to extremely high. Start sun safety young Katz said it's important for parents and schools to teach sun safety early in life, especially given the lasting impact of sunburns in childhood. "One to two blistering sunburns in your youth can double your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma later in life. So it's really important that we establish sun safety behaviours early," she said. That message is echoed by the Canadian Cancer Society. Elizabeth Holmes, director of health policy at the society, said the organization's SunSense program is designed to promote healthy sun habits in children. "It's... working with daycares and in schools to really instill those sun safety behaviours and best practices at an early age, and really creating the support within the school as well as... that individual learning and making it part of your routine," Holmes said. Know the signs, catch it early Holmes said early detection of melanoma greatly improves the chances of treatment being successful, so that the cancer doesn't spread. She said health professionals are trained to look for signs using the ABCDE method. That stands for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour, Diameter and Evolution. People should have a mole checked out if it's asymmetrical rather than round, if the border looks irregular, if the mole changes colour over time, if it seems to be growing, or any other change, like starting to ooze or bleed.
Hamilton Spectator
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
REPEAT: Rocket Doctor Partners with Melanoma Canada to Expand Access to Follow-Up Care for At-Risk Patients
New collaboration will connect patients flagged during mobile skin cancer screenings with Rocket Doctor physicians across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia ●Rocket Doctor has partnered with Melanoma Canada to provide timely follow-up care for patients identified as at-risk during mobile skin cancer screenings. ●Patients without a family doctor will be directly referred to physicians on Rocket Doctor through a streamlined digital intake process. ●The Mole Mobile campaign travels across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, providing free screenings in both remote and urban communities. ● Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, with 1 in 3 cancer diagnoses being skin-related — more than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. ● 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma every day, and 3 Canadians die daily from this serious form of skin cancer. ●The partnership is expected to increase patient visits on Rocket Doctor's platform, improving access to care and continuity for at-risk individuals. Toronto, ON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI Inc. (CSE: TRUE, OTC: TREIF, Frankfurt: 939) ('Treatment') is proud to announce that its virtual care subsidiary, Rocket Doctor Inc., has partnered with Melanoma Canada to help bridge the care gap for individuals identified as at-risk for melanoma and other skin cancers during mobile screening events across the country. Melanoma Canada's Mole Mobile units, Canada's first mobile skin cancer screening clinics, presented by Neutrogena®, a Kenvue brand travel across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, offering free skin checks from certified dermatologists in both remote and urban communities. Through this partnership, Rocket Doctor will provide patients who do not have a family physician with timely access to follow-up appointments via its virtual care platform. 'Too many Canadians are going without the care they need simply because they don't have a family doctor,' said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor. 'By partnering with Melanoma Canada, we're making it easier for patients identified during these critical screenings to get connected to a physician quickly, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.' Dermatologists working in the Mole Mobile units will complete an on-site risk assessment and referral form for patients who require follow-up. These forms can then be uploaded directly to Rocket Doctor's intake system, enabling efficient, streamlined review and timely access to appropriate care. The need for follow-up care has never been more urgent. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, more prevalent than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. One in every three cancers diagnosed in Canada is a skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form, continues to rise. Every day, 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, and 3 die from it. 'With one in three cancers diagnosed in Canada being skin cancer, access to timely follow-up care is crucial,' said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. 'Our partnership with Rocket Doctor ensures that individuals flagged during our screenings, many of whom don't have a family doctor, can seamlessly transition from screening to care. It's a powerful step forward in improving outcomes for patients who might otherwise be left waiting.' The initiative is expected to increase patient traffic across Rocket Doctor's platform during Mole Mobile's national tour, while reinforcing Rocket Doctor's mission to improve equitable access to physician-led care. As part of the collaboration, Rocket Doctor's logo will also appear on Mole Mobile vans and campaign materials, which collectively generate millions of impressions throughout the tour. The term of this Agreement is 12 months commencing February 3, 2025, and will automatically renew for successive 12-month periods unless either party provides at least 30 days' written notice of termination prior to the renewal date. Initial events will kick off in Toronto and Edmonton this spring, with additional stops planned through October 2025. About Rocket Doctor Inc. Rocket Doctor is a technology-driven digital health platform and marketplace that empowers doctors to build and manage their own virtual or hybrid practices. Its proprietary software and AI-powered tools enable providers to deliver high-quality care remotely, with a focus on reaching underserved and remote communities across North America. By removing barriers to care and restoring physician autonomy, Rocket Doctor is redefining what modern healthcare looks like. Visit or contact media@ . About Melanoma Canada Melanoma Canada is a national organization dedicated to raising awareness, advancing prevention, and supporting patients affected by melanoma and skin cancer. Through programs like the Mole Mobile, Canada's first mobile skin cancer screening initiative, Melanoma Canada brings early detection, education, and hope to communities across the country. In partnership with Canadian dermatologists, the Mole Mobile has screened thousands of individuals and identified hundreds of potential skin cancers. Learn more at . About AI Inc. AI is a company utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) and best clinical practices to positively improve the healthcare sector and impact current inefficiencies and challenges. With the input of hundreds of healthcare professionals globally, AI has built a comprehensive, personalized healthcare AI engine — the Global Library of Medicine (GLM). With more than 10,000 expert medical reviews, the GLM delivers tested clinical information and support to all healthcare professionals as well as providing recommended tests (physical and lab), imaging and billing codes. The GLM helps healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses or pharmacists) reduce their administrative burden; creates more time for needed face-to-face patient appointments; and enables greater consistency in quality of patient support. AI's GLM platform, through supporting healthcare professionals, allows for the inclusion of disenfranchised communities. Learn more at or contact info@ . FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO Email: ehamza@ Media inquiries: media@ Call: +1 (612) 788-8900 / Toll-Free USA/Canada: +1 (888) 788-8955 Cautionary Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on AI's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the implementation of its shareholder communications initiative and the timing thereof. Although believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Hamilton Spectator
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Rocket Doctor Partners with Melanoma Canada to Expand Access to Follow-Up Care for At-Risk Patients
New collaboration will connect patients flagged during mobile skin cancer screenings with Rocket Doctor physicians across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia ●Rocket Doctor has partnered with Melanoma Canada to provide timely follow-up care for patients identified as at-risk during mobile skin cancer screenings. ●Patients without a family doctor will be directly referred to physicians on Rocket Doctor through a streamlined digital intake process. ●The Mole Mobile campaign travels across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, providing free screenings in both remote and urban communities. ● Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, with 1 in 3 cancer diagnoses being skin-related — more than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. ● 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma every day, and 3 Canadians die daily from this serious form of skin cancer. ●The partnership is expected to increase patient visits on Rocket Doctor's platform, improving access to care and continuity for at-risk individuals. Toronto, ON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI Inc. (CSE: TRUE, OTC: TREIF, Frankfurt: 939) ('Treatment') is proud to announce that its virtual care subsidiary, Rocket Doctor Inc., has partnered with Melanoma Canada to help bridge the care gap for individuals identified as at-risk for melanoma and other skin cancers during mobile screening events across the country. Melanoma Canada's Mole Mobile units, Canada's first mobile skin cancer screening clinics, presented by Neutrogena®, a Kenvue brand travel across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, offering free skin checks from certified dermatologists in both remote and urban communities. Through this partnership, Rocket Doctor will provide patients who do not have a family physician with timely access to follow-up appointments via its virtual care platform. 'Too many Canadians are going without the care they need simply because they don't have a family doctor,' said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor. 'By partnering with Melanoma Canada, we're making it easier for patients identified during these critical screenings to get connected to a physician quickly, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.' Dermatologists working in the Mole Mobile units will complete an on-site risk assessment and referral form for patients who require follow-up. These forms can then be uploaded directly to Rocket Doctor's intake system, enabling efficient, streamlined review and timely access to appropriate care. The need for follow-up care has never been more urgent. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, more prevalent than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. One in every three cancers diagnosed in Canada is a skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form, continues to rise. Every day, 22 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, and 3 die from it. 'With one in three cancers diagnosed in Canada being skin cancer, access to timely follow-up care is crucial,' said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. 'Our partnership with Rocket Doctor ensures that individuals flagged during our screenings, many of whom don't have a family doctor, can seamlessly transition from screening to care. It's a powerful step forward in improving outcomes for patients who might otherwise be left waiting.' The initiative is expected to increase patient traffic across Rocket Doctor's platform during Mole Mobile's national tour, while reinforcing Rocket Doctor's mission to improve equitable access to physician-led care. As part of the collaboration, Rocket Doctor's logo will also appear on Mole Mobile vans and campaign materials, which collectively generate millions of impressions throughout the tour. The term of this Agreement is 12 months commencing February 3, 2025, and will automatically renew for successive 12-month periods unless either party provides at least 30 days' written notice of termination prior to the renewal date. Initial events will kick off in Toronto and Edmonton this spring, with additional stops planned through October 2025. About Rocket Doctor Inc. Rocket Doctor is a technology-driven digital health platform and marketplace that empowers doctors to build and manage their own virtual or hybrid practices. Its proprietary software and AI-powered tools enable providers to deliver high-quality care remotely, with a focus on reaching underserved and remote communities across North America. By removing barriers to care and restoring physician autonomy, Rocket Doctor is redefining what modern healthcare looks like. Visit or contact media@ . About Melanoma Canada Melanoma Canada is a national organization dedicated to raising awareness, advancing prevention, and supporting patients affected by melanoma and skin cancer. Through programs like the Mole Mobile, Canada's first mobile skin cancer screening initiative, Melanoma Canada brings early detection, education, and hope to communities across the country. In partnership with Canadian dermatologists, the Mole Mobile has screened thousands of individuals and identified hundreds of potential skin cancers. Learn more at . About AI Inc. AI is a company utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) and best clinical practices to positively improve the healthcare sector and impact current inefficiencies and challenges. With the input of hundreds of healthcare professionals globally, AI has built a comprehensive, personalized healthcare AI engine — the Global Library of Medicine (GLM). With more than 10,000 expert medical reviews, the GLM delivers tested clinical information and support to all healthcare professionals as well as providing recommended tests (physical and lab), imaging and billing codes. The GLM helps healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses or pharmacists) reduce their administrative burden; creates more time for needed face-to-face patient appointments; and enables greater consistency in quality of patient support. AI's GLM platform, through supporting healthcare professionals, allows for the inclusion of disenfranchised communities. Learn more at or contact info@ . FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO Email: ehamza@ Media inquiries: media@ Call: +1 (612) 788-8900 / Toll-Free USA/Canada: +1 (888) 788-8955 Cautionary Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on AI's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the implementation of its shareholder communications initiative and the timing thereof. Although believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Melanoma is on the rise and young people aren't using enough sunscreen, doctors say
TORONTO - When Christie Garofalo's husband asked her about a mole on her abdomen, she thought she'd always had it. But after looking through old photos, she realized it was relatively recent and made an appointment with her family doctor just to be safe. After the mole was removed and biopsied, she was shocked when her doctor told her it was melanoma. 'I collapsed in her office because you hear cancer and immediately you go down a terrible rabbit hole,' said the 50-year-old mother of five children in Vancouver. Garofalo said she had used sunscreen but 'not religiously' — applying it if she was on a tropical vacation but not on a day-to-day basis at home. While talking with her oncologist, she also remembered that she had used tanning beds once a week as a teen in the late 1980s. Garofalo had to undergo some painful lymph node surgery to prevent the cancer from spreading, but is grateful she has a clean bill of health almost five years later. 'I am good about sunscreen (now),' she said. Dermatologists say that despite awareness of skin cancer risk, it's not translating into action and melanoma cases are on the rise. They're especially worried about young people because, like Garofalo, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun in their youth comes back to haunt them when they are older. A variety of factors, including misinformation and cost, are to blame for inadequate use of sunscreen and other sun protection measures, they say. 'Unfortunately we're showing very dangerous, very concerning trends with respect to skin cancer and melanoma,' said Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an associate professor of dermatology at McGill University. According to Melanoma Canada, an estimated 11,300 people were diagnosed with the potentially deadly skin cancer in 2024 — up by 17 per cent from the previous year. In a study published in BMJ Public Health in April, Litvinov and his colleagues found that almost 60 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 29 spend two or more hours in the sun at a time, but were significantly less likely to use sunscreen than people aged 30 to 59. The data also showed that younger Canadians were more likely to get sunburned. Although the data analyzed in the study was collected in the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2011 and 2018, Litvinov said there is no reason to believe that more young people are using sunscreen now. 'People don't think this is serious. Our winters are harsh. When the summer comes, people are going out and enjoying the sun, right? Enjoying too much to the point of getting burned,' said Litvinov, whose clinical practice is at St. Mary's Hospital Centre in Montreal. Dr. Monica Li, a dermatologist in Vancouver, said there are 'alarming trends' of misinformation on social media that discourage the use of sunscreen. They include claims that the chemicals in sunscreen cause cancer, which is false, she said. 'We need to basically tailor education and knowledge perhaps towards the younger demographics to debunk some of the stuff that they're seeing online,' said Li, who is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and skin science at the University of British Columbia. It's also important to raise skin cancer awareness among different ethnic groups because there's a 'long-standing' misconception that people with darker skin don't need sunscreen, she said. Even though more richly pigmented skin has more natural protection than lighter-coloured skin, it's not enough, Li said. Last July, Health Canada issued a warning against using 'homemade' sunscreen — a trend that circulates on social media. 'Making and using homemade sunscreen products presents risks, as they are unlikely to be effective at protecting you from the sun's harmful UV rays,' says the warning posted on the agency's website. Health Canada also called out false claims that sunscreen ingredients are harmful to the skin and can cause cancer. 'All authorized sunscreens on the market are safe when used as directed,' it said. There are two types of approved sunscreens: mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier to reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation; and chemical sunscreens — also called 'organic' sunscreens — which absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat. Using a mineral sunscreen is a good option for people who find other sunscreens aggravate their acne, said Li. Litvinov said he uses mineral sunscreen on his kids because it doesn't burn their eyes when they sweat. He noted some people have expressed concern about chemical sunscreens affecting marine life, so those who are worried might opt for mineral sunscreen as well. Whichever sunscreen people choose, it should be at least 30 SPF and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Another myth that is amplified online is that forgoing sunscreen helps people get enough vitamin D, the Canadian Cancer Society and dermatologists say. If there are concerns about vitamin D deficiency, people should talk to their primary-care provider about vitamin D supplements, said Li. 'That's a much safer and consistent way' to get the vitamin, she said. Nancy Wirtz, manager of cancer prevention at the Canadian Cancer Society, said even when people do use sunscreen, they often don't apply enough of it. The average adult needs about a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover their face and neck and another two to three tablespoons to cover their body. That's about the size of a golf ball in total. Sunscreen should also be reapplied every two hours and even more frequently if you are swimming or sweating, Wirtz said. Litvinov noted that any sun exposure resulting in a tan causes skin damage. 'We talk actually about the 'sunscreen paradox,'' he said, which is when people want a tan, but they understand there's something unhealthy about it. 'So how are they going to reconcile the two? Well, they put (on) a thin layer of sunscreen and then they go and they get a tan. And unfortunately, because of the sunscreen paradox, people are getting more skin cancer.' Litvinov's study showed that people with lower incomes are less likely to use sunscreen — and he says other research has confirmed there's inequitable access to what is often a high-cost product. 'People have told us that sunscreens are more or less a luxury item,' he said, noting that unlike many countries, sunscreen is taxed in Canada. Li agreed that when people use the recommended amount of sunscreen, 'the cost really adds up quickly.' 'If they can't afford it and it's choosing sunscreen or food on the table, then of course sunscreen is not going to be something that is going to be chosen.' Dermatologists and the Canadian Cancer Society emphasize that in addition to sunscreen, it's important for people to take other measures to stay safe outside, including seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and minimizing sun exposure in the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
