PRESS RELEASE

TORONTO, ON May 1, 2021 – May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a nationally recognized month dedicated to spreading awareness about skin cancer. Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) and their Sun Safety Council Partners (Johnson and Johnson, Columbia & Shade Sails Canada) are running a National campaign to promote the importance of sun safety while staying safe from COVID-19.

Melanoma and skin cancers are among few cancers on the rise, particularly in young Canadians aged 15-49. It is also one of the few cancers that are easily detectable. Given that its primary cause is UV exposure, melanoma and skin cancer can be prevented!

As the spring weather arrives, Canadians will be spending more time outdoors while respecting their municipalities’ social distancing guidelines. MNC’s “3 Ways to Block the Rays” encourages Canadians to incorporate these simple steps to help protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Throughout the month, MNC will network with media outlets to spread awareness and urge Canadians to adopt these three simple sun-safe practices to better protect them against Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The organization has produced two 60 second videos demonstrating sun safety while participating in socially distanced outdoor activities (such as cycling and golfing). To help dispel Canadian’s misconceptions about certain sun safety practices, MNC Board Member and Dermatologist Dr. Julia Carrol and three-time melanoma survivor and founder of Melanoma Network of Canada Annette Cyr are available to participate in virtual or in-person interviews (outdoors) within the GTA.

Dr. Julia Carroll is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCPC) and an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Toronto Dermatologic Society, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is also on staff at the University of Toronto Medical School

Annette Cyr is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors of Melanoma Network of Canada. She is a three-time melanoma survivor.

Melanoma and skin cancers can affect anyone regardless of sex, age, or race and is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide. Spreading awareness to Canadians can help save lives.

Media Contact:

Lorraine Quartaro
Email: lorraine.quartaro@sympatico.ca
Cell: 416-433-7232

ABOUT Melanoma Network of Canada

The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) Melanoma Network of Canada is a national, patient-led organization whose mission is to save and improve the lives of melanoma and skin cancer patients and their caregivers by providing current and accurate resources and support services.

The network was founded to respond to the need for patients in Canada to have a nationally based organization coordinate educational and prevention efforts, provide a strong voice for advocacy, and assist in efforts to target funding for melanoma research.

Website: www.melanomanetwork.ca