Media Advisory - Public skin cancer screening at The Sunset Community Centre in Vancouver on June 5th as part of the Canadian Dermatology Association's Sun Awareness Week

VANCOUVER, BC, May 31, 2013 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, June 5, Vancouver dermatologists and dermatology residents will be holding a free skin cancer screening to increase awareness about the importance and early detection and prevention of skin cancer and demonstrate how to conduct at-home self-exam.

Who:	Dr. Jason Rivers, Vancouver dermatologist, Canadian Dermatology Association     Dr. Marcie Ulmer, Vancouver dermatologist, Canadian Dermatology Association
What:	Skin cancer screening and early detection awareness event     Interview & Photo Op
When:	Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where:	The Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main St     Multi-purpose Room
Why:	To create awareness about importance of early detection by conducting regular at-home self-exams

Background:

• 2 people die every week in British Columbia from melanoma skin cancer.
• There will be an estimated 950 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in British Columbia this year, with 140 deaths.
• Melanoma is one of a small number of cancers in Canadians that continues to increase in incidence (1.4% a year between 1997 and 2006).

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 x 229
Cell: 613-716-2098
Email: [email protected]