Media Advisory - Grand Falls-Windsor dermatologists to host skin cancer screening at Exploits Valley Mall on Saturday, October 19, 2013

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL, Oct. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - On Saturday, October 19, 2013, Grand Falls-Windsor dermatologist, Dr James Coffey, will be hosting a free skin cancer screening event to educate the public on the importance of early detection and prevention for all skin cancers. Participants will also learn how to conduct at-home skin cancer self-examinations.

	Who:		Dr. James Coffey, Grand Falls-Windsor dermatologist, Canadian Dermatology Association
	What:		Skin cancer screening and early detection awareness event Interview & Photo Op
	When:		Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
	Where:		Exploits Valley Mall
	Why:		To create awareness about importance of early detection by conducting regular at-home self-exams

Background:

• Research shows that 53% of melanoma skin cancers are discovered by the patients themselves and a further 17% by their family members.
• Early detection of skin cancer leads to a 90% or higher cure rate.
• An estimated 187,600 new cases of cancer (excluding about 81,700 non-melanoma skin cancers) and 75,500 deaths will occur in Canada in 2013.
• Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have the highest death rates for melanoma in men in Canada at 4 deaths per 100,000, compared to 2 deaths per 100,000 Saskatchewan, Quebec and New Brunswick.

Other relevant information:

• Digital photos of skin cancers will also be made available upon request

SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association

Laura Craig, Communications Coordinator
Office: 613-738-1748 ext. 299
Cell: 613-716-2098
[email protected]