Free skin checks
Free skin checks by Melanoma Canada this week in the city
Melanoma Canada’s ‘mole mobile’ tour is stopping in North Bay this week.
The skin cancer screening unit will be set up in Sunset Park from 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday.
Residents can drop by the specially designed vehicle, which is equipped with two private exam rooms, and ask a dermatologist to examine any moles or lesions of concern.
The skin checks are free for Canadian residents.
Officials say the mobile screening unit has a goal of 25,000 skin checks each summer.
It also provides education on self-screening for melanoma and other skin cancers and promotes the importance of sun safety.
“By providing accessible skin cancer screenings through the Mole Mobile initiative, we are actively committed to highlighting the value of skin health for Canadians,” says Dr. Gabi Weichert, President of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA).
Officials also say Canada is facing a severe shortage of general practitioners and dermatologists, leading to wait times of 5 months to one year for appointments.
They add melanoma can progress in as little as six weeks.
**With files from Andrew Mendler
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
