/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Dermatologists offer skin cancer screening to MLAs and staff at the Nova Scotia Legislature, Halifax, on April 18, 2012./

NOVA SCOTIA, April 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Organized as part of the Canadian Dermatology Association's Sun Awareness Program, Halifax dermatologists will be screening MLAs and their staff for skin cancer and showing them how to perform an at-home self-exam.

Who:	Members of the Legislative Assembly & Staff  Dr Richard Langley, Halifax dermatologist, Canadian Dermatology Association Dr Kerri Purdy, Halifax dermatologist, Canadian Dermatology Association
What:	Skin cancer screening and early detection awareness event
When:	Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where:	Nova Scotia Legislature, Province House, Halifax, in the Uniake room, Hollis Street Level.
Why:	To highlight the need for early detection education

Background:

• Nova Scotia has the highest incidence of melanoma skin cancer in Canada
  (source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011).
• In 2011, the incidence rate in men was 23 cases per 100,000, compared to 12 cases per 100,000 in Saskatchewan.
• The incidence rate of melanoma in women in Nova Scotia in 2011 was 19 per 100,000, compared to 9 per 100,000 in Manitoba.
• Research shows that 53% of melanoma skin cancers are discovered by the patients themselves and a further 17% by their family members.

Other relevant information:

• Skin cancer statistics and fact sheets will be available on-site
• Digital photos of skin cancers will also be made available upon request

 

 

Sue Sherlock, Sherlock Communications
Office: 604-985-9184  |  Cell: 604-753-9929, email [email protected]