Canada's Dermatologists Are on Parliament Hill This Melanoma Monday

OTTAWA, ON --(Marketwired - May 04, 2015) - It's Melanoma Monday and the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is returning to the Hill to hold its annual Skin Cancer Screening for all Members of Parliament, Senators and their staff.

Co-hosted by the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, and organized by the CDA, the event aims to make people aware of skin cancer's early warning signs and simple steps for prevention. The early detection and timely treatment of melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer can lessen disfigurement, and even prevent death in the case of melanoma.

"The CDA's Sun Awareness Program holds a number of events each year," says Dr. David Zloty, President of the Canadian Dermatology Association, "to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by having more Canadians doing monthly skin checks and regularly wearing sunscreen. The events we host show Canadians the steps for at-home skin checks and give them the resources they need to adopt these new habits."

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Canada and worldwide, making it which makes it all the more crucial Canadians know now to take action to protect themselves and their families. Estimates indicated there would be 82,600 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in 2014; sadly the number of new cases has continued to climb each year but it doesn't have to. Research shows those at risk for melanoma who had a friend or family member help with checking their skin found the disease at a much earlier stage and had a 63% lower death rate compared to those who did not check their skin.

About Melanoma Monday
Melanoma Monday is an internationally recognized day of skin cancer awareness which aims to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer, and to encourage early detection through regular self-exams.

About the CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association provides easy access to the largest, most reliable source of medical knowledge on dermatology. CDA exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. By doing so, CDA informs and empowers both medical professionals and the Canadian public.

To learn more about what the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.


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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

For further information please contact:
Jennifer Scott
Director, Communications
Office: 613-738-1748 Ext. 222 | Cell: 613-716-2098
jscott@dermatology.ca

Nimmi Sidhu
Coordinator, Communications
Office: 613-738-1748 x 228
nsidhu@dermatology.ca