Melanoma Canada’s Mole Mobile will be in Grand Forks this Friday to help residents assess their risk for skin cancer.
The mobile unit will assess skin cancer risks and provide prevention education to clients.
“We work with the public to help them understand their risk for skin cancer,” said Falyn Katz, Melanoma Canada CEO.
“We talk about their sun exposure, and family history of skin cancer and educate them about skin cancer prevention, how to identify it and when to talk to a doctor.”
Katz said melanoma and skin cancer can be caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can come from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
“We are losing three to four Canadians per day to melanoma. It’s the deadliest type of skin cancer,” said Katz.
“It’s one of the few types of cancers that can be detected by people themselves because you can see it. If we can see it, we can catch it early and we can change that statistic.”
There are a few things to keep an eye out for when you look at a mole on yourself or a loved one.
Menanoma Canada uses the acronym ABCDE to help people memorize the possible symptoms to look out for:
- Asymmetry – the cancerous mole could look asymmetrical, and its edges would not align if it was folded in half.
- Border – A mole with fuzzy or jagged edges could be a concern.
- Colour – A particularly dark or multi-coloured mole could also be concerning.
- Diameter – Screeners will usually look for moles that are bigger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolution – A mole that is growing, bleeding or changing in other ways is also a cause for concern.
“These are all signs that you should talk to your doctor,” said Katz.
“You know your body best, so as soon as you see something, you should contact your healthcare provider, get a referral to a dermatologist and get checked.”
The Mole Mobile will provide on-site screening to those who attend.
The Mole Mobile’s next stop in the Kootenays will be at the Grand Forks Boundary Hospital on Friday, Aug 30.
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