ABOUT MELANOMA CANADA
Formerly Melanoma Network of Canada, Melanoma Canada was founded in 2009 by Annette Cyr, three-time melanoma survivor, in response to a lack of meaningful information and support. The organization quickly became the leading national resource for the melanoma and skin cancer patients.
Melanoma Canada advocates for and supports Canadians living with melanoma and skin cancer with helpful resources, education, psychosocial support services, and more.
Drivers are exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) every time we get behind the wheel. That’s why Melanoma Canada is proud to host the 2024 Yorkville Exotic Car Show. Drivers need to talk about sun protection. Melanoma, is expected to overtake prostate cancer as the most common cancer in men in about 20 years, but we can do something about it, there’s still time!
With another record donation of over $130,000 in 2023, and fundraising efforts for the virtual shows in 2020 and 2021, the Yorkville Exotic Car Show has raised more than $750,000 to help support cancer research and programs.
MELANOMA STATS & FACTS
Over 90,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma and skin cancer each year. The leading cause of melanoma and skin cancer is the over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Exposed human skin can tan or burn – both are signs of damage to the underlying cells. A burn, in particular, is a marker of extensive damage that normal DNA repair mechanisms may not be able to repair. Sunburn at any age is an indicator of UVR overexposure (generally intermittent exposure) and increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly of melanoma. Melanoma is a very serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer and is one of the few cancers with incidence rates on the rise.
- The survival rate for melanoma is high if it is detected early and unlike many cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin.
- Melanoma can affect anyone regardless of sex, age or race.
- The leading cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources (tanning beds, sunlamps).
- Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types found in young adults aged 15-29 and 30-49.
- 1 in every 4 cancers is melanoma.
- In 2023, 1,250 Canadians died from melanoma. 820 males and 430 females.
OUR VISION
- To increase Canadians’ awareness of melanoma, a potentially life-threatening skin cancer, and its prevention through education, advocacy and research;
- To support melanoma patients, caregivers and medical professionals through current and coordinated information and services;
- To create a national network advocating for additional treatment options and a united voice for patients with melanoma.