Survey shows Canadians well aware of Melanoma Skin Cancer - but half don’t check their skin often enough.

Canadians are well aware of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, but 1 in 2 people don’t check their skin often enough, according to a survey conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Melanoma, unlike many cancers, is clearly visible on the skin. Early detection is directly linked to a very high survival rate - 90% for Canadians.

However, 940 Canadians – 3 people a week - will die from melanoma this year, and 5,000 will be diagnosed with it. Melanoma is now the 8^th most common cancer found in Canadians. It is one of a small number of cancers that continues to increase in incidence.

The first ever “Melanoma Awareness and Attitudes Survey of Canadians” revealed that most Canadians know what melanoma is and what it looks like – a new or existing mole, freckle or spot that is changing in colour, shape or size.

However, when it comes to actually checking the skin, fully 55% do not check their skin often enough. That comprises 24% who never check their skin and 31% who say they check “less often” than every couple of months. As a guide, people should check their skin for signs of skin cancer once a month or every couple of months.

Melanoma is most common on the backs of men and the legs of women but can appear anywhere on the body including the arm, scalp or face. While less common in darker skinned people, melanoma may appear on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands or under the nails among other sites.

Many Canadians were aware that having a lot of sunburns is a major risk factor for melanoma (80%), the survey showed. However, less than half of those surveyed (42%) knew that having many moles or large moles is a strong risk factor too. Even fewer (34%) recognized that having skin that freckles or is unable to tan, or red or blond hair (30%) are also risk factors.

Of course, it is much better to prevent melanoma. When it comes to ways to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, many would use a sunscreen (75%), hats and clothing (69%). However, only 56% would seek shade.

“There is a need to have more shade available in parks, playing fields and schools so that this natural protection, as well as built shade, is more available for people.

To view the complete report, “Melanoma Awareness and Attitudes Survey” by Angus Reid Strategies, please visit the Canadian Dermatology Association’s website.

About the survey

From May 7 to May 8, 2009, Angus Reid Strategies conducted an online survey on behalf of the Canadian Dermatology Association among a randomly selected, representative sample of 1,013 adult Canadians aged 18 and over. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to Statistics Canada’s most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a representative sample of the entire adult population of Canada.

The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists, the physicians who specialize in the care and treatment of the skin, hair and nails. The association exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin; to support and advance patient care; to provide public education on sun awareness and other aspects of skin care; and to provide continuing medical education for Canadian dermatologists – your skin experts!