Early detection matters: Mole Mobile revolutionizes skin cancer screenings
By shining a light on the importance of early detection, the Mole Mobile hopes to change the landscape of skin cancer screenings in Canada and ultimately save lives. Don’t wait—take the first step towards protecting your skin health today.
Every year, over 91,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tragically, the country loses three to four individuals each day to this disease. As summer approaches and long, warm days lead to increased sun exposure, it serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to prioritize their skin health by applying sunscreen and monitoring their skin for any changes.
In response to this pressing health issue, the Mole Mobile, Canada’s first mobile screening unit dedicated to melanoma and skin cancer, is back on the road this season. With two mobile units now operating, the initiative aims to encourage individuals to check their skin regularly and protect themselves from harmful UV rays.
"We're encouraging [people] to check their skin, wear their sunscreen, but [the Mole Mobile] is also serving a much needed void in the community," says dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll.
With a shortage of dermatologists across Canada, the Mole Mobile is crucial when it comes to early detection and preventing severe illness or even death.
"There's a big shortage of dermatologists in Canada,” Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada tells The Weather Network. “There's only 800 for our population of 40 million people, so getting a skin cancer screening can take a while. Delays to see a dermatologist can be anywhere between six months to a year, in some cases, even longer."
"If caught early, it can be treatable," adds dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll.
Melanoma Canada's Mole Mobiles are the first mobile skin cancer screening units in Canada. (Image source: Melanoma Canada)
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How to get a screening
The mobile unit will be travelling across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, offering screenings on a first-come, first-served basis.
"We bring you into the room, and then we take a look at the spots," explains Dr. Carroll. "If we find anything concerning, we do have a good network so we can get you to the right people to make sure that that's taken care of properly."
"We know the mobile is not a permanent solution to the problem, but really we're hoping we can shine a light on it and change that... get more dermatologists in Canada to be able to conduct screenings, get people diagnosed earlier, because with early detection, we can save lives," adds Katz.
For those interested in receiving a screening, visit the Mole Mobile's website at molemobile.ca, where you can find the schedule posted two weeks in advance.