OTTAWA, ON – June 3, 2018 – The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) wraps up Sun Awareness Week in Canada today by celebrating World Skin Health Day, an international effort to improve skin health across the globe. “The CDA is once again pleased to participate in this important international awareness and advocacy campaign,” said certified dermatologist and CDA President, Julie Powell. In 2017 the CDA joined with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and other dermatological societies from around the world to host events and activities that promote skin health. World Skin Day also involves targeted initiatives that aim to address the specific needs of communities served by certified dermatologists. This year the CDA is promoting skin health and skin cancer awareness by hosting a free public skin cancer screening clinic at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. (PT). Certified dermatologists and dermatology residents will be on-site to conduct screenings for the general public. “The goal of dermatologists here in Canada and around the world is to help people lead healthy lives,” adds Vancouver-based certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers. “People will have an opportunity to have their skin checked by a certified dermatologist without a referral and learn about early detection. This is just one of many ways that CDA members give back to the community.” Melanoma is the eighth most common form of cancer in Canada. In 2017, there were an estimated 7,300 new cases of melanoma, and 1240 deaths from melanoma. However, when caught early, melanoma is highly treatable; five-year survival of melanoma is second only to thyroid cancer—females have a 92% survival rate, and males, 85%. Thus, performing self- examinations, as well as paying a visit to a certified dermatologist is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) is a non-governmental organization that promotes the improvement of dermatological care, education and science across the world. The ILDS unites over 160 member-societies from more than 80 countries and has access to the experience of more than 100,000 dermatologists and lends support to the more than 2,000 skin and skin-related diseases that exist, according to the World Health Organization. Sun Awareness Week The Canadian Dermatology Association has organized the nation-wide Sun Awareness Week since 1989. The aim is to educate Canadians about the dangers of too much sun and to help stop the rising incidence of skin cancer in Canada. This year’s Sun Awareness Week is Monday, May 28 to Sunday, June 3, 2018.
Released June 3, 2018