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July Spotlight

In July, Le Club focuses on Skin Cancer – with added resources, links and articles. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, read up on the latest research, talk to other women and maybe even offer some advice of your own.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, accounting for almost half of all reported cancer cases. The best defence is protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma, which develops in pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes), and nonmelanoma, which develops in other types of skin cells.

Although melanoma is much rarer than nonmelanoma skin cancer, its incidence is increasing faster than any other cancer worldwide: new melanoma cases in Canada have doubled since 1973. Melanoma is often more serious than other forms of skin cancer. Only about 4 per cent of skin cancers are melanomas, but they account for more than three-quarters of skin cancer deaths. Most are curable if caught early enough.

The vast majority of skin cancers are nonmelanoma, and it, too, is on the rise. One of the major reasons for this increase is more overexposure to UV radiation from sunlight.

That’s why Le Club is talking about Skin Cancer.

This month in Le Club

Ask the Expert

• Our guest expert in July is Dr. An-Wen Chan, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Women’s College Hospital, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Toronto and clinical epidemiologist at Women’s College Research Institute. Read his bio here, and send in your questions on this month’s topic: Skin Cancer.
• Last month, our topic was Alzheimer’s Disease. Read the answers to some common questions as well as some myths and realities.

Your Stories

• Read personal stories on health-care topics from Women’s Health Matters readers, or share your own health story.

• Do you have a personal story to share? Even if a story doesn't contain all the facts, it’s a chance to offer a helping hand, to share practical tips and maybe even inspire someone else. Submit your stories now.

Learn More

• Find out more about Skin Cancer and other health topics in our Health A-Z section.

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Join our discussion groups and share stories with other women – it's fun and it's free!