May is Melanoma Awareness Month. 7,800 Canadians each year are diagnosed with melanoma. It is one of the deadliest form of skin cancers. Sadly 1,300 will lose their battle to melanoma in 2020. It is one of few cancers on the rise and is one of the most common cancers found in Canadians aged 15-49. The good news is some incidences are preventable. 85% are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Sun safety is key to reducing the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer.
The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is a national, patient-led, charitable organization supporting those who have been impacted by a melanoma diagnosis. Despite COVID-19, MNC continues to be the forefront of providing melanoma patient education and emotional support for patients and their caregivers across Canada.
MNC has invested in additional virtual solutions to continue to provide best in class resources to patients across Canada. These resources include: offering virtual support groups to existing MNC support group members, as well extending our support groups to non-members in major city centres and remote regions. Additionally MNC’s Patient Information Specialist is available during regular business hours by phone, email, and now by a live chat feature installed on MNC’s website to keep open lines of communication with patients and caregivers. MNC has also created additional online resources including FAQs for melanoma and skin cancer patients who are looking for quick answers to common questions including – directions on navigating diagnosis and treatment during these unprecedented times.
“Working with patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma or skin cancer is a very humbling experience. There is the sense of urgency felt to hang on to life as they knew it, and resist the change cancer has brought. This challenge has been magnified by the coronavirus, bringing on additional fears and anxieties. It is inspiring to see the bravery of melanoma and skin cancer patients, facing this crisis head on, and continuing to persevere over this disease.” Mary Zawadzki, MNC Patient Care Specialist
COVID-19 has presented incredible challenges to immuno-compromised melanoma and skin cancer patients. Your support is more important than ever! Funds raised through #GivingTuesdayNow will help MNC continue to provide best in class patient education and support services.
Our generous Board of Directors have agreed to match all donations made on May 5th up to $7,000! That means your donation doubles its impact!
“MNC called and walked me through my diagnosis, helped me understand my next steps, what resources to use and how to prepare for my first oncology appointment” – Michele C. Stage IV melanoma patient
“My family has been through so much with my diagnosis. I learned more at this meeting than I have in the last four years of treatment. Thank you for arranging this and giving us renewed hope.” Melanoma Information Session participant
Learn More about Giving Tuesday Now visit the official website https://givingtuesday.ca/gtnow
