Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer accounting for approximately 20% of all skin cancer cases in Canada.1OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 16, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – The Melanoma Network of Canada is pleased with the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) conditional recommendation for reimbursement of LibtayoTM (cemiplimab) in patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.2 LibtayoTM (cemiplimab) is a fully-human monoclonal antibody targeting the immune ..read more

My name is Debbie and I am a retired RN/Esthetician and I will tell you my story.  Twenty-five years ago I went to a spa in Florida with friends for our annual get-a-way. I loved the sun and spent many hours swimming and sunbathing to get a great tan. While there I noticed a young woman who was alone and looked very sad. I asked her to join our group and got to know her story over the week that we were together. Her name was also Debbie and we had the same Italian/French backgrounds. She told me that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma a few months before  and was very depressed. She ..read more

It has been an incredibly busy fall for the team at MNC. Heading into September, we had our 8th annual Strides for Melanoma walk. It was one of the most successful to date and we were thrilled to see so many new and returning supporters come out from coast to coast. We appreciate all of our sponsors and the volunteers that made it such a special day. Funds will contribute to research, essential patient resources, one-on-one mental health support and our advocacy efforts for drug coverage as well as our very important prevention and early diagnosis initiatives. Thanks to all. MNC participate ..read more

In March 2019, I was diagnosed with melanoma. Not just melanoma, but a particularly aggressive, nasty form known as nodular melanoma. What we (doctors included), thought was just an irritated mole turned out to be stage II melanoma! With my first (and hopefully last) major surgery behind me, which included a skin graft, three lymph nodes removed, and a wide local excision of surrounding tissue (60+ stitches, 40 staples), I’m left with many scars physically and emotionally. But, I’m here and I’m healing. Thank God for my team of doctors, nurses, family, friends, my faith and my son – Knox ..read more

The cold winter months are upon us and with many colder days ahead, it is important that patients undergoing treatment, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, take additional precautions to remain as healthy as possible. The list below provides some important tips on cold-weather care: Reduce risks of influenza The Cancer Care Ontario resource “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity Management: Clinical Practice Guideline” states that given the lack of evidence, live vaccines are not recommended for those on immune checkpoint inhibitors.[1] Discuss options with your healthcare provider ..read more

Thank you to the Men’s Section of Islington Golf Club for their generous contribution! On behalf of MNC, we would like to thank the Men’s Section of Islington Golf Club and General Manager – Dave Fox at Islington Golf Club for the generous donation of $6500, and their commitment to sun safety and awareness. We are truly thankful for their generosity and the support they offer MNC.   Jerry Hartman (Chair of the One Day Member/Guest), Annette Cyr, Bob Leavens (Club Captain) and Phil Kavanagh (Head Golf Professional)The post Islington Golf Club appeared first on Melanoma Network of Canada ..read more

This year we would like to recognize our Volunteer of the Year: Monique Lui, who has significantly contributed to the delivery of MNC’s mission and vision. Monique has contributed countless hours supporting MNC through various volunteer efforts, including coordinating the Edmonton Strides for Melanoma – Walk for Awareness, being an active member of the Patient Advisory Committee, offering her support at the Edmonton Melanoma Information Session, and raising awareness about melanoma by speaking to the media and her network. Monique’s alliance helps MNC provide support and information to patient ..read more

MNC is so fortunate to have a network of volunteers to support in the delivery of programs across Canada. The support of volunteers allows MNC to meet high service standards, its patient community’s needs, and its fundraising goals. In 2019, MNC hosted many events across Canada, including Melanoma Information Sessions, the Strides for Melanoma – Walk for Awareness, the Screen Me Sun Aware Program, the You Missed a Spot campaign, and the first annual Cover Up for Melanoma Gala; all supported by volunteer efforts. Thank you to our 2019 volunteers for making this year a great success. We look for ..read more

Many of us use the holiday season as an opportunity to give back to our community and the charities that matter to us, and there are many ways to make a significant contribution. Did you know your workplace might support you with your efforts? Read on… If you give to your United Way workplace campaign, you can designate all or a portion of your gift to any registered charity in Canada. To direct your funds to the Melanoma Network of Canada, enter our name and charitable registration number (#85491 3050 RR0001) on your pledge form. Many companies will match their employees’ contributions to ..read more

The fall has definitely arrived across Canada (we won’t talk about the snow in Alberta and BC), but don’t let the cooler weather fool you.  The UV index can still be high in spring and fall, and anything above a UV index of 3 requires sun protection. You can check out the UV index where you live daily at the Government of Canada’s website (https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/public_bulletins_e.html?Bulletin=fpcn48.cwao), or through the Weather Network (https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca ). Know your skin, check your skin monthly and know your risk factors.  Make sure you a covering up, seeking sh ..read more