As we move into the final months of 2026, I find myself reflecting on what has already been an extraordinary year for Melanoma Canada, one filled with progress, innovation, community.
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who continue to stand alongside us. Whether you have attended an event, made a donation, volunteered your time, shared your story, advocated with us, participated in a Mole Mobile screening, or simply helped spread an important sun safety message, your passion and enthusiasm are what make our work possible.
We never take that support for granted. This community continues to show us what can happen when people come together around a shared belief: that we can prevent more skin cancers, detect them earlier, improve access to care, and ensure that no one facing a diagnosis has to navigate it alone.
The Mole Mobile: Reaching Canadians Where They Are
Our Mole Mobile, presented by Neutrogena® continues to demonstrate the incredible impact we can have when we bring care directly into communities. This year, we celebrated an extraordinary milestone: more than 20,000 skin cancer screenings delivered, and more than 300 communities visited, through the Mole Mobile since the program began.
Central to the success of this program is our valued partnership with the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). Together, we are working to improve access to skin cancer screening and education, particularly in communities where access to dermatologic care may be limited.
We are especially grateful to the many dermatologists who have generously given their time and expertise to conduct screenings onboard the Mole Mobile. These physicians step away from already busy practices and schedules to join us in communities across the country, examining thousands of Canadians and helping identify suspicious lesions and potential skin cancers that require further investigation.
Their commitment to early detection, prevention and patient care is remarkable. Quite simply, the Mole Mobile could not have the impact it does without them. To every dermatologist who has stepped onboard – and to the Canadian Dermatology Association for its continued partnership – thank you.
Remembering Dr. Mike Connolly
Among those who gave so generously of their time was Dr. Mike Connolly, a dermatologist and true champion of the Mole Mobile program, whose loss we are deeply mourning.
Dr. Connolly shared not only his medical expertise, but also his passion for making skin cancer screening more accessible to Ontarians. He embodied the spirit of the Mole Mobile and believed deeply in the importance of early detection and meeting people where they are.
His loss is deeply felt by our team, his colleagues and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
As the Mole Mobile continues its journey across Canada this fall, we are dedicating the remainder of the 2026 Mole Mobile Tour to honour Dr. Mike Connolly.
We can think of no more fitting tribute than continuing the work he believed in, bringing screening into communities, improving access to dermatologic care, educating Canadians about their skin and finding skin cancers earlier.
Every person who steps onboard the Mole Mobile for the remainder of this tour will be part of carrying that legacy forward.
Reasons for Hope
While we continue to focus on prevention and early detection, we are also encouraged by the progress being made for those diagnosed with melanoma.
One of the most exciting developments is the progress of the individualized mRNA therapy being developed by Moderna and Merck, in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), for people with high-risk melanoma.
Recent clinical trial results have provided real reason for optimism and represent another important step forward in how melanoma may be treated in the future.
At the same time, we know that promising clinical trial results do not immediately translate into access for Canadian patients. There are still regulatory, approval, reimbursement and implementation processes ahead, and it could still be some time before this treatment becomes available in Canada.
At Melanoma Canada, we will continue to follow this progress closely and advocate for timely and equitable access to innovative treatments. Scientific breakthroughs are tremendously exciting, but ultimately their true impact is realized when the patients who need them can access them.
Continuing to Push for Change
Our advocacy work also extends beyond treatment.
We continue to push for better access to dermatologic care across Canada and for policies that make skin cancer prevention more accessible and affordable. Sunscreen is an essential prevention tool, and we will continue advocating for measures that reduce barriers to its use.
At the same time, our programs continue to reach Canadians at every stage of the skin cancer journey, from prevention and education through our Sun Guardians Program, to early detection through the Mole Mobile, to support, education and advocacy for patients and families navigating a diagnosis.
Throughout this newsletter, you will read stories that remind us why this work matters. You will learn about emerging treatments, meet members of our incredible community, discover new educational resources and see some of the many ways we are working to change the landscape of melanoma and skin cancer in Canada.
There is still much work ahead of us, but there is also tremendous reason for hope.
We are grateful to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, dermatologists, volunteers, donors, corporate partners, event participants and advocates.
Your continued passion, generosity and enthusiasm fuel everything we do. Every screening delivered, every patient supported, every person educated and every policy conversation advanced is possible because you choose to be part of this community.
Thank you for continuing this journey with us.
Falyn Katz
CEO, Melanoma Canada
