National Strides for Melanoma Walk Aims to Stop Increasing Melanoma Rates

Canadians get ready to walk 5K to raise funds and awareness for melanoma

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC), along with national sponsor Miracle 10, will host the fourth annual Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness on Sunday, September 27^th, 2015 in 13 locations across Canada.

The 5K walk will raise crucial funds for MNC that go toward providing patient support services, research and education, and prevention initiatives. MNC invites Canadians to participate in this national fundraising and awareness walk as a team or individual walker, donor, or volunteer.

"One person dies from melanoma every hour in North America," said Canada AM's resident dermatologist, Dr. Paul Cohen. "Yet, the survival rate is high if detected early, which is why events like Strides for Melanoma are so important, not just to raise funds, but also to start a conversation about sun safety," explained Dr. Cohen.

To decrease melanoma rates in Canada, today's youth must be educated on sun safety. Sun safety means applying sunscreen, wearing hats and avoiding the sun during peak hours, 11a.m-3p.m.

"I am walking with Strides for Melanoma to raise awareness for melanoma, but also to show my gratitude to MNC," said 29 year old, Caroline Cooper. "My treatment for stage IV melanoma was covered by my provincial health plan because of networks like the MNC advocating for those diagnosed with the disease," Cooper continued. "This is my second year participating and I plan on doing the walk every year for the rest of my life."

The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) has expanded the Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness with each year. MNC is proud to announce Strides for Melanoma walks will take place for the first time this year in London, Ontario, Kingston, Ontario and Kamloops, British Columbia. A virtual walk is also available for participants who are unable to reach one of the thirteen walk locations. Help MNC reach its fundraising goal of $200,000 by registering at: https://www.melanomanetwork.ca/walk2015/.

About melanoma: Melanoma, a serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer, is on the rise worldwide. Melanoma is one of the top seven most frequent occurring cancers in Canada. Melanoma is also one of the most common cancers now in youth, aged 15 to 29 years. Melanoma incidence rates have more than tripled in the last 30 years. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through sunlight, tanning beds and sun lamps all create a major melanoma risk. Other risk factors are light skin, skin that burns easily, skin cancer history in the family, >50 moles, a weakened immune system and a severe blistering sunburn history – particularly before 20 years of age.

Fast Facts: An estimated 6,800 Canadians will have a melanoma diagnosis in 2015 and 1,150 Canadians will die from melanoma in 2015.[1]

About the Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC): Founded to create a patient network, the Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is dedicated to melanoma prevention and awareness through education, research, and advocacy. Funding raised by MNC goes directly into patient support programs, youth prevention programs, as well as treatment and diagnosis research. Please visit www.melanomanetwork.ca for more information on melanoma and how you can become involved.

The Melanoma Network of Canada is proud to partner with Miracle 10 Cosmetics Inc. as the national sponsor for 2015 Strides for Melanoma Walk for Awareness.  Miracle 10's sunscreen lotion is approved by the Melanoma Network of Canada, with the first 500 participants to register for Strides for Melanoma receiving a complimentary sunscreen.

[1] Canadian Cancer Society's Advisory Committee on Cancer Statistics. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society; 2015. Available at: http://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/cancer%20information/cancer%20101/Canadian%20cancer%20statistics/Canadian-Cancer-Statistics-2015-EN.pdf

SOURCE Melanoma Network of Canada

For media inquiries please contact: Maureen Grice, Marketing and Communications Manager, Melanoma Network of Canada, 905.901.5121 ext. 103, [email protected]