Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide. In Canada, diagnosed cases of melanoma have more than tripled in the last 30 years and continue to rise. In fact, over 1,300 Canadians die from this disease each year.
What makes this cancer so dangerous is it’s ability to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Once it reaches the dermis (thick layer below the epidermis), melanoma can easily spread through the blood and lymph vessels. The good news is when detected early, survival rates are high.
QUICK FACTS: CAUSES
According to World Health Organization (WHO), 85% of melanomas among men and women in Canada aged 30+ can be attributed to UV radiation exposure. Usually this is through exposure to the sun, or from artificial light sources like tanning beds or sunlamps.
Overview
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide. In Canada, diagnosed cases of melanoma have more than tripled in the last 30 years and continue to rise. In fact, over 1,300 people in die from this disease each year.
The leading cause of melanoma is over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Even one sunburn before the age of 20, can increase your chances of developing a melanoma later in life.
Melanoma can occur in skin of colour individuals. Learn common myths and the early signs of Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) and Subungual melanoma, the most common forms of people with skin of colour.
Wondering how high your risk of melanoma is? Complete the CancerIQ risk assessment from Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), and get a personalized action plan now.
Survival rate for melanoma is high if detected early and unlike other cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin. Use the ABCDE’s of melanoma to check your skin monthly, if you detect any changes to your moles.
85% of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation. Overexposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are known to cause harm to the skin, eyes and immune system. The number one preventable risk factor for the most common forms of melanoma and skin cancers is overexposure to damaging UVR.
Childhood, or pediatric melanoma is when melanoma occurs under the age of 18 years of age. It is uncommon and has some unique differences from melanoma in adults.
Unlike melanoma in adults, which is often linked to years of exposure to UV light, pediatric melanoma in children is typically not associated with sun exposure. Instead, children with certain types of moles, such as large congenital melanocytic nevi (dark brown-black birthmarks), are at higher risk.
Melanoma Early Detection for Children 10 and Under
In children under the age of 10, flat melanomas (superficial spreading melanoma) are less common, and the ABCDE criteria are only present in less than 40% of cases
Access to a list of rapid access clinics, mole mapping clinics and other skin cancer specialists across Canada. Additional resources from the Canadian Dermatology Association are provided.
Over 89,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma and skin cancer each year. Donate, fundraise, join, or host an event, or volunteer today and help bring hope and support to all.
Donate
Melanoma Canada needs your help to provide services, resources, and hope to patients and caregivers facing melanoma and skin cancer. Make a one-time or monthly donation today and help us reach our goal of zero melanoma and skin cancer deaths.
Hosting an event is a wonderful way to support Melanoma Canada. From a bake sale to a golf tournament, gala, or even a car show, no event is too big or too small! We’re here to support you every step of the way.
From registering participants on-site, to recruiting sponsors, our event volunteers assist with the organization and on-site activities of events, including our major fundraisers, 7 Summits Snowshoe Challenge, Golf & Grill, and Strides for Melanoma. Find out how you can help.
