CANSA – Media Release August 2017

In a bid to reduce the scourge of this disease, CANSA is partnering with the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, on National Skin Cancer Screening Day, on 1 September 2017, by offering free FotoFinder mole examinations at all their main metro CANSA Care Centres, as well as at participating dermatologists nationwide.  #MelanomaAwareness

“As a proud partner of the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa, CANSA is looking forward to taking part. We have FotoFinder devices at most CANSA Care Centres in South Africa, allowing us to examine moles and spots to help lower the risk of skin cancer,” says Gerda Strauss, CANSA Head: Service Delivery.

FotoFinder Assists with Early Detection

The FotoFinder is a mole mapping and dermascope device used in skin cancer screening and is neither invasive nor painful.

Early detection, minimises the severity of the disease, as well as reduces and prevents severe disfigurement. #LowerCancerRisk

According to CANSA, skin cancer is on the rise and diagnosis continues to be seen in much younger individuals. However, the good news is that the risk of skin cancer can be reduced, by simply being more SunSmart and properly protecting bodies in order to lower the risk. #SunSmart

Free Screening 1st September

Free FotoFinder screenings will be on offer on 1 September 2017 at the following CANSA Care Centres:

·         Eastern Cape – CANSA East London Care Centre: 043-727 0120

·         Free State – CANSA Bloemfontein Care Centre: 051-444 2580

·         Gauteng – CANSA Pretoria Care Centre: 012-329 3036

·         KZN – CANSA Pietermaritzburg Care Centre: 033 342 9837

·         Mpumalanga – CANSA Nelspruit Care Centre: 013-741 5441

·         Northern Cape – at the Kimberley Gariep Festival
(2 September 2017): 053-831 2968

·         Western Cape – Cape Metro Care Centre: 021-689 5347

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. Many dermatologists believe that increased UV exposure resulting from the hole in the ozone layer, has contributed greatly to the rise in melanoma rates over the past two decades.

View the CANSA Car Melanoma campaign

 {for which FCB Cape Town won a Loerie 2017 Bronze Award for Media Innovation}