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World Cancer Day: Harjeet Kaur’s Story

World Cancer Day is on February 4th and is a day to spread awareness of cancer as a whole and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. This year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Harjeet Kaur, a stage 4 rare blood cancer survivor who, after her diagnosis, became a wonderful advocate for other cancer patients and caregivers. Her story is one that encompasses the confusion, fear, and ultimately willpower that comes along with a cancer diagnosis. We thank Harjeet for sharing her story with us and giving us insight into her incredible resilience.

Can you share a little bit about your personal journey with cancer? When were you diagnosed and what emotions did you experience at that moment?

Harjeet Kaur: My story has been interesting. I migrated to Canada in 2018 with high hopes of settling down, having a family and having a better career. But life had different plans for me and my world completely flipped upside down in 2019, when I started having high fevers which were ongoing for two and a half months. I went to the doctor but the only answers I really got was that it might be viral or a flu and to take Tylenol every 2 hours to cut down the fever. Along with fevers I started having rigour episodes daily.  I went to the emergency room so many times, and had to wait for 6-8 hours to get answers and those times were really challenging for me. Finally, I was admitted to the University of Alberta hospital where I was treated as a research patient because no one knew what was going on with me. I had a couple of biopsies, surgeries and scans but there were no answers. It took them 3 months to diagnose me, and when I finally figured out what was going on it was August 27th, 2019. At that point I was going to move back to India to get some answers, but the doctor rushed in and told me I had stage four, rare blood cancer. I was 32 at the time and I had no idea that was. The doctor told me that they thought I should stay in Canada because I was stage 4 and had to start treatment right away. Listening to that news, my life completely stopped – I was in shock. My mom and brother were there with me, my husband had gone to see my family doctor to plan my move back to India, but then I called him and told him I had the diagnosis – I couldn’t tell him on the call that I had stage 4. After not having answers for a few months, to hear that I was stage four was really shocking. To get a late diagnosis at age 32 was something I never would have expected – it was a rollercoaster ride.

How long were you able to start treatment after you were first diagnosed?  

Harjeet Kaur: They did a skin biopsy which finally showed the diagnosis after 3 months. As soon as I got the diagnosis in the afternoon, they wanted to admit me right away and start the treatment as I was losing time. But we asked them for a few hours to process the news. Since it was 3 months delayed, we wanted to connect with our family doctor and the medical team we were talking to in India and update them. So I actually ended up starting chemotherapy the next day.

World Cancer Day is about raising awareness and taking action. What message would you like to convey to those who may be facing a cancer diagnosis for the first time?

Harjeet Kaur: As we all know, cancer is tough. Not only for the person, but also for the family. Going through the diagnosis, treatment during COVID (35 days of isolation) – all of it is tough. The number one thing I would tell someone who is facing a cancer diagnosis is to not lose hope. There are a lot of support groups and communities out there who can help. You can also ask for help from your friends and family. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

Absolutely! It sounds like your family were great caregivers to you throughout your diagnosis and treatment. What advice would you give to someone who is a caregiver for someone with cancer?

Harjeet Kaur: Caregivers play a really important role. I noticed that my caregivers never asked for anything, they only showed me love and support. That was something important for me to understand, that my caregiver was going through the same journey as I was. Especially because of how young I was, my entire family was in shock so I think it was difficult for them to see me like that. So the advice I would give to both patient and caregiver is to try to understand each other’s feelings and that treatment is going to be really hard. It can be hard to act like your normal self around that person because it’s difficult to see someone you love going through treatment and pain, and sometimes a patient won’t be able to express their feelings because of that. So it’s just you have to balance it out to understand each other’s experiences and thoughts and what they are feeling.

Yeah, I agree. It seems like both people are trying to be strong for the other one.

Harjeet Kaur: Definitely. I remember I constantly told myself to be strong for my family. I used to cry when I was alone because I didn’t want people to see me like that. I thought that if I show them that I’m breaking down, they’ll break down with me. That willpower really kept me strong and it did help sometimes to put on a brave face. To that point, another piece of advice is to keep a positive mindset, you really need to stay hopeful.

What strategies did you use to help yourself stay positive throughout your treatment and diagnosis?

When I was told that I was diagnosed with cancer, I really didn’t think that I’d be here today. But during the whole process of my journey, my family and friends were the things that kept me going. The only time I lost hope was during the stem cell transplant. When I was told that I had to be isolated for 35 days, I really thought I wasn’t coming back and that that would be the last time I would be able to hug my family. But during those 35 days, I just kept praying for the next day. I wanted to see my family again more than anything. So that hope and that strength within myself kept me going. And now here I am. I never thought I’d be strong enough to go through cancer or a stem cell transplant all by myself. It’s just important to not lose hope and to keep trying your best. Even when I was alone for those 35 days, I used to FaceTime my family just to listen to them. So you need to do whatever you feel will help whether it’s writing a blog, reading a book, going out in nature if you can. It’s really important how you keep yourself busy and positive during a journey like that. 

Definitely. You’ve become such a big advocate for other cancer patients. You said you started writing your blog while you were in isolation for the stem cell transplant, how did you start to build on that and find a community? 

The blog started because as I mentioned, when I was dropped at the hospital, I thought that I wasn’t going to go back so I really started writing some of my thoughts so that my family could read my experience, just in case. When I got home, I kept on writing about my journey. It took me 6-8 to start to feel like myself again after the stem cell transplant. I was like a newborn and was completely bedridden. The 100 days after the stem cell transplant was crucial for all of us, but I was getting better every day. I was trying to find someone who had the same kind of cancer as me, because it was so hard to find answers and information online.  I reached out to the Canadian Cancer Society to see if I could find someone who had a similar diagnosis, and then after that I connected with the YACC and became their Junior Leader and it spiraled from there. I started participating in all of these events and initiatives virtually (because of COVID) and listening to other people’s experiences gave me that strength and motivation to do something about spreading awareness. My passion is to spread awareness for early detection, because for me I was diagnosed at stage 4, which I think about sometimes. Like, what if I was diagnosed at stage 1? Those three months meant I lost my fertility, vision in my right eye as well as other side effects. It’s so important to advocate for your own health. Especially if you’re a young person, you are often not taken seriously because of your age. If you feel something is wrong, go to the doctor and push as hard as you can to get the answers. 

Yeah, definitely. So you would say overall, your experience within the Canadian health system was that it’s difficult to navigate, because you are a young person?

Yeah. It was also tough because as an immigrant, you don’t have a lot of connections at the beginning. And then you have to fight with your family doctor to get answers. I remember when I first went to the doctor for my fevers they told me it was a viral fever, but I knew that something wasn’t right inside my body. I never thought I’d become an advocate for others because of my diagnosis, because all it really was then was me advocating for my own health. We advocated really hard during the pre diagnosis for all of my tests and scans to be done. So I feel like when you’re young and when you have common symptoms, like a fever, no one takes you seriously. And who would have thought that fevers would lead to stage 4 cancer! So similarly, I think the education and awareness piece is really important. Being young doesn’t mean that we can’t get cancer. Cancer doesn’t care what race, religion or age you are.

What do you think is the best way for someone to be able to advocate for themselves in the medical system? 

In the medical system, I would say it’s really difficult but there are support groups and communities out there which can help you. Even events that teach you how to ask for things in the medical system are great. When it comes to someone’s health, you have to fight, whether it’s with the medical team, the government, public health, or whatever. You also have to have those relationships with your oncologists and doctors so that they can help guide you. Also if you have questions, make sure to ask them, even if you feel like they’re small.The more questions you ask, the more answers you will get and that leads to advocacy too!I still go for my follow ups every three months and I ask them about any small symptom I have to be sure. You need to ask and educate yourself whether it’s within the doctor’s office or in a support group.

Yeah, absolutely. I think that’s very good advice. What do you think are some things that people can do whether or not they have a cancer diagnosis themselves or their caregiver, but the average person, what do you think they can do to contribute to raising awareness and supporting cancer research across the board?

For people who are touched with cancer, it’s great to spread awareness by joining communities and support groups and helping them spread and share their message. So many of them do research programs so supporting those is a great start. Helping patients is also really important, whether it’s offering to drive someone to an appointment, making them food or something else. Any small kind of help really means the world in these situations. I know it’s really difficult for a person to express their feelings around having cancer and there can be a lot of stigma around cancer, especially in the South Asian community. So talking to a patient about it is actually a good thing because it shows them that you’re being present for them and are giving them the opportunity to talk if they would like to. 

We thank Harjeet for sharing her story and we urge everyone to unite and take action to improve access to pre-screening, testing and quality care. To read more about Harjeet’s story and to get in touch with her, click the button below.

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Understanding Melanoma on the Eye: Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Melanoma on the eye, also known as ocular melanoma, is a rare but serious form of cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. This pigment gives color to the eyes, skin, and hair. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the types of ocular melanoma, its diagnosis, and available treatment options. [1]

Types of Ocular Melanoma

Ocular melanoma includes ocular melanoma, also called uveal melanoma, and conjunctival melanoma. [2]

Ocular/Uveal Melanoma

The uvea is a three-layered part of the eye. It is made up of the choroid, iris and ciliary body. Uveal melanoma can form in any of these layers and is named for where it forms:

  • Choroidal melanoma begins in the layer of blood vessels – the choroid – beneath the retina. It is the most common type of uveal melanoma. A 2012 article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology discusses the differences between choroidal nevi and choroidal melanoma.
  • Iris melanoma occurs in the front, colored part of the eye. Iris melanomas usually grow slowly and do not typically metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body outside the eye.
  • Ciliary melanoma originates in the ciliary body, situated in the front of the uvea, responsible for secreting aqueous humor into the eye. These melanomas may grow anteriorly, visible on biomicroscopy as a darkly pigmented mass behind the pupil. Pigmentation can vary. Notably, ciliary melanomas tend to progress more rapidly, with a higher likelihood of metastasizing to the liver, compared to iris melanomas.

Treatment for ocular melanoma may involve procedures such as radioactive plaques, proton beam therapy, or even eye removal.

Recent advancements, such as the Health Canada approval of Kimmtrak in June 2022, provide hope for patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma.

Conjunctival Melanoma 

The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye, as well as the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctival melanoma is very rare. It often appears as a raised tumor and may contain little or even no pigment. Conjunctival melanoma most commonly occurs in the bulbar conjunctiva – the mucous membrane that covers the outer surface of the eyeball. Unlike other forms of ocular melanoma that spread most often to the liver, when conjunctival melanoma spreads, it most often spreads to the lungs.

Individuals diagnosed with conjunctival melanoma may undergo resection, cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, or radiation as part of their treatment plan.

melanoma on the eye

Diagnosis and Prognosis Melanoma on the Eye

Diagnosing ocular melanoma often involves routine eye exams, where some cases may be asymptomatic. The prognosis varies, with uveal melanoma recurrence occurring in less than 5% of cases after primary treatment. However, approximately 50% of people with uveal melanoma may develop metastases, typically in the liver. [3]

Treatment Options

Treatment for melanoma on the eye depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. The aim is to control the primary tumor and prevent recurrence or metastasis. In advanced cases, a range of treatments, including immunotherapy, molecularly targeted agents, and liver-directed therapies, may be employed.

Ocular melanoma, though rare, poses unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Collaborative efforts between patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers are crucial for advancing our understanding and developing more effective treatments. Ongoing research and recent breakthroughs, such as the Health Canada approval of Kimmtrak, offer hope for improved outcomes in the fight against ocular melanoma.

Get Support

Ocumel Canada, an initiative of Save Your Skin Foundation, was formed to increase awareness, advance treatment options, and build a supportive community for those diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic ocular/uveal melanoma (OM).

WE INVITE ALL OM PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn More About Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that uses the human body’s own immune system to fight cancer.  It may be administered to patients intravenously in the Chemotherapy Unit of the hospital, but it is not the same as chemotherapy.

Learn More About Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target cancer cells. For melanoma, these drugs target the activity of a specific or unique feature of melanoma cancer cells.

Learn More About Clinical Trials

New treatments are tested in clinical trials before they are approved for general use. There are safeguards in place to ensure clinical trials are as safe as possible and meet medical ethical standards. Participating in a trial can be a way to have access to potentially helpful new therapies you couldn’t get otherwise.

[1] “Cancerous Tumours of the Eye.” Canadian Cancer Society, cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/eye/what-is-eye-cancer/cancerous-tumours. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.

[2] “CURE OM – Melanoma Research Foundation.” Melanoma.org, 27 June 2023, melanoma.org/patients-caregivers/cure-om/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.

[3] “Ocular Melanoma.” AIM at Melanoma Foundation, www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/types-of-melanoma/ocular-melanoma/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.

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Understanding Melanoma on the Scalp: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Considerations

Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, can present unique challenges when it develops on the head or neck, particularly on the scalp. In this blog post, we will look at the distinctive characteristics and considerations for melanoma on the scalp, which are crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Melanoma on the Scalp: Unique Characteristics and Challenges

Behavior and Treatment Differences

When melanoma occurs on the head or neck, it may behave differently than when found on other parts of the body. The complexity of the anatomy in these areas, with numerous blood vessels and lymph nodes, makes it potentially easier for melanoma to spread. As a result, treatment for melanoma on the head, neck, or scalp tends to be more aggressive.[1]

Reconstructive Surgery Considerations

Reconstructive surgery may be necessary, especially after cancer surgery on the head or neck. This can involve immediate reconstruction or a delayed approach, depending on factors like the stage of cancer and the need for additional surgeries. The waiting period allows for thorough examination and testing to determine the necessity of further procedures.

High Prevalence of Melanoma on the Scalp

Despite accounting for only 9% of the total body surface, the scalp harbors 20% of melanoma cases. A literature review highlights that scalp melanomas are more common in the elderly and men and have a 10-year survival rate of 60%.[2]

Histological Diversity and Diagnosis

Scalp melanoma encompasses a heterogeneous group of types, including lentiginous melanoma, desmoplastic melanoma, superficial spreading, and nodular melanoma. All suspicious lesions should be biopsied, with excisional biopsy often recommended.[3]

Prioritizing Awareness and Follow-Up Care

Given the aggressive nature of melanoma on the scalp, heightened awareness and proactive follow-up care are crucial. Regular check-ups, including thorough cancer examinations and relevant testing, can facilitate early detection. This, in turn, improves the chances of a positive outcome. If you suspect any unusual changes on your scalp or have concerns about melanoma, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist promptly.

Remember, knowledge and awareness are powerful tools in the fight against melanoma, and early intervention can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being.

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn about other types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC is the most common cancer in the world, with incidence exceeding that of all other cancers combined. BCC can develop anywhere, though it is most commonly found in sun exposed areas.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which begins in the keratinocyte cells, is the second most common skin cancer. While SCC usually develops in areas that have been exposed to the sun, it can also manifest in burn or wound sites.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare non-melanoma skin cancer. It can develop in the merkel cells, which are found in the deepest areas of the epidermis and hair follicles.

[1] “Treatment May Differ for Melanoma on the Head or Neck.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/head-neck. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.

[2] [3] Licata, Gaetano et al. “Diagnosis and Management of Melanoma of the Scalp: A Review of the Literature.” Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology vol. 14 1435-1447. 7 Oct. 2021, doi:10.2147/CCID.S293115

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CURE OM Global Science Meeting Recap

Creating a Shared Vision of Progress and Hope

Date of the meeting: November 6, 2023

Hosted by the Melanoma Research Foundation

The recent Cure OM Global Science Meeting held in Philadelphia aimed to foster a shared vision of progress and hope in the fight against ocular/uveal melanoma. The event brought together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and patients to discuss advancements, clinical trials, and collaborative efforts. The mission, as emphasized by the Melanoma Research Foundation, is to eradicate melanoma through accelerated research, education, and advocacy.

This blog article summarizes some of the meeting’s highlights.

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Highlights

Dramatic Evolution in Research Landscape

  • Reflecting on the past decade, participants noted a significant shift in the ocular melanoma research landscape.
  • In 2013, industry partners didn’t participate actively in the discussion and the focus was on understanding the unique characteristics of uveal melanoma, distinct from cutaneous melanoma.
  • In 2023, the meeting showcased substantial progress with seven industry partners actively engaging in discussions, covering primary eye treatment, genetic prognostics, metastatic disease treatments and adjuvant and neo-adjuvant therapies.

Industry Partner Presentations

Aura provided updates on AU-011 (Bel-Sar), a virus-like particle conjugated with a light activated cytotoxin which aims to kill the tumor. It is either injected suprachoroidally or intravitreally and is light-activated. They presented some positive data showing the safety and efficacy giving us hope that perhaps this could be a new primary treatment that could treat primary uveal melanoma while sparing patients from dealing with the fallout from radiation-induced retinopathy. Bel-Sar will hopefully be moving into a phase three clinical trial.

Delcath discussed Hepzato, a recently FDA-approved liver-directed therapy which is set to be commercially available in early 2024.

Ideaya reported promising data in the Phase 1/2 trial of darovasertib and crizotinib, with pivotal trials now open at multiple sites in the US and abroad. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant trials will also be opening worldwide.

Immunocore presented on tebentafusp or Kimmtrak, the first FDA approved therapy for metastatic uveal melanoma. It is now widely available in the US and abroad. And there are some ongoing trials looking at other targets.

Replimune is looking to open a clinical trial in the uveal melanoma space. They are working on an intralesional (direct injection into the tumor) modified virus. It is a herpes virus that is modified with something called GM-CSF and other immune tweaks to help the immune system recognize the cancer. In a trial, metastatic uveal melanoma patients were given either just this injection or the injection in combination with nivolumab and the response rates were upwards of 28.6% with a disease control rate of 57.1%. There is hope that this clinical trial will be available to patients soon.

TriSalus presented on the ongoing Perio-1 clinical trial. This is an intra-hepatic artery delivery of an immune stimulant via a special catheter in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors that are given peripherally.

Discussion Points

A key emphasis was placed on the growing interest and involvement of various companies in developing treatments for ocular/uveal melanoma. While this is a positive trend, speakers highlighted the need for collaboration to avoid competition between trials and ensure inclusivity. Physicians don’t want patients to feel that if they start one clinical trial, they won’t be able to go on another. Suggestions included making inclusion and exclusion criteria less restrictive, ensuring trials are accessible across different regions and supporting patients so that lack of access to clinical trials is not a reason to not participate.

Liver-Directed Therapy – Pros and Cons

The discussion then turned to liver-directed therapy, a crucial treatment approach for uveal melanoma. Dr. Orloff underscored the importance of understanding the pros and cons of liver-directed therapy, systemic therapy, and combination therapy. These considerations are crucial for patients facing decisions about the most suitable treatment path.

1. Liver-Directed Therapy:
  • In MUM, liver metastases are leading cause of death
  • Various liver directed treatments can be very effective at controlling hepatic metastases
  • Often well tolerated with limited side effects experienced between treatments
  • Some patients only require limited treatments with long treatment free intervals
  • Not restricted to any one population
  • Have one FDA approved LDT option (PHP)
  • MUM by definition is a systemic disease and extrahepatic disease can develop and lead to morbidity and rarely mortality
  • Requires institutional expertise
  • Patients may need to travel further for treatment
  • Some liver directed treatments require more extensive resources
  • Limited randomized trial data (comparing LDT or to systemic treatments)
2. Systemic Therapy:
  • Treatment of systemic disease (treats the whole body)
  • Tebentafusp is available and has an overall survival benefit and good side effect profile
  • Darovasertib + Crizotinib is also an option with a decent objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR)
  • Tebentafusp is HLA restricted
  • It needs to be injected weekly
  • It has a low response rate and has a high rate of immune-related adverse event
  • It may not shrink tumours up-front
  • Often systemic trials are restricted to line of therapy
3. Combination Therapy:
  • Potential to control both hepatic and systemic metastasis
  • Opportunities for debulking tumors before systemic therapy
  • Synergy of liver directed treatment and systemic treatment especially when using systemic immunotherapy
  • Optimal combinations and sequences are unknown
  • Toxicities of both therapies need to be managed

Data Highlights and Proposed Studies

TriSalus

TriSalus presented data as a late-breaking abstract at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) annual meeting. They are investigating their special catheter that allows infusion of SD-101 infusion in combination with immunotherapy. There have been multiple cohorts, and the results so far show a 58% disease control rate (DCR) across all SD-101 doses and an 81% DCR at two milligrams. Optimizing dosage is a focus, as higher doses may not necessarily be more effective. Preliminary overall survival signals are encouraging.

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP)

PHP is a catheter system facilitating closed-circuit liver perfusion with melphalan. Results from the focus trial, presented in 2022 at ASCO, demonstrated significant improvements in overall response and disease control compared to alternative care arms. Side effects, primarily related to bone marrow suppression, were noted.

Combination Trial Designs

Ongoing trials show promise in combining hepatic perfusion with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

  • The Scandium II trial compared hepatic perfusion (IHP) followed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), with ICI followed by IHP followed by more ICI. The Scandium III trial compared ICI alone with PHP followed by ICI.
  • Another trial presented by Dr. Orloff explored combining tebentafusp with liver-directed therapy. For lower volume disease, the design involves administering tebentafusp upfront, followed by liver-directed therapy. For higher volume disease, the design involves chemoembolization first, followed by tebentafusp.

Adjuvant and Neo-Adjuvant Clinical Trials

Three new trials will be opening soon in the adjuvant/neo-adjuvant space:

  • Quizinostat (University of Miami)
  • Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant Darovasertib
  • ATOM: Adjuvant Tebentafusp Ocular Melanoma

Tebentafusp in Practice

Dr. Butler, Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Seedor all presented on tebentafusp in practice. Tebentafusp is a bispecific molecule that brings T-cells to the tumour and have been showed to offer significant survival benefits. The challenge lies in translating clinical trial success to real-world scenarios, where patients might have more advanced disease.

Dr. Seedor shared case vignettes featuring patients with a substantial disease burden. These patients showed potential benefits from tebentafusp but Dr. Seedor suggested that stabilizing patients before initiating tebentafusp might be necessary for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Butler presented on the situation in Canada, where initial access to the drug was previously restricted to two centres, but has now expanded nationwide, enabling a diverse group of patients to undergo tebentafusp treatment. In a real-world grouping of patients, it was observed that stabilization or positive responses to tebentafusp were linked to improved outcomes, aligning with findings from clinical trials and showing that a variety of patients are experiencing benefits from tebentafusp.

Dr. Sullivan presented innovative data addressing the challenge of assessing tebentafusp’s impact on cancer. While the drug may not necessarily shrink tumours, it slows down their growth. Traditionally, oncologists rely on tumour shrinkage to gauge treatment efficacy. Dr. Sullivan discussed findings suggesting that even in cases of disease progression on imaging, a decrease in circulating tumour DNA correlates with a more favourable response to therapy. However, the specific assay used in the study isn’t commercially available. Dr. Sullivan found that there are several ways to analyze circulating tumour DNA and cells in the blood fraction and that one of them might be better suited to patients with uveal melanoma, suggesting that even patients who are on standard of care treatment may benefit from clinical trials that use this biomarker as a way to follow patients.

Systemic Therapies Highlights

Several presentations focused on systemic therapies.

Dr. Moser shared insights into emerging therapies:

  • Roginolisib – PI3Kδ inhibitors are showing promising results in patients and in animals
  • Radioligand therapy – A novel approach to targeting tumors using a molecule that brings radiation particles directly to the tumour to target tumour cells.
  • TCR Therapy – Promising trials are trying to target tumors with cell therapies. There are actually several different studies looking at TCR based therapies, CAR T-cell based therapies as well as tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapies are being studied across the world to determine the best approach for patients.

Dr. Hamid explored byspecific antibodies in OM:

  • He highlighted the three-year survival rate for tebentafusp, which showed a consistent benefit in terms of overall survival. Unfortunately, not enough patients are doing really well five years later, but certainly, they’re doing better than they were on the investigator’s choice protocol.
  • Immunocore has a new agent called F106C that targets PRAME, which is an antigen expressed highly in uveal melanoma but also in other types of cancers. They’ve seen a high percentage of response in patients with uveal melanoma as well as skin tumours. And there are several follow up trials beyond the initial phase one to look at the role of this study in patients with uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, as well as other tumours in the future.
  • Various different types of immune cells are being investigated for cancer treatment:
    • Lymphocyte cells that are allogeneic (cells that come from one person and are used in another person to fight the cancer)
    • CAR T-cell
    • Bispecific agents brought into a cell and infused as a therapy
    • Human mesenchymal stromal cells

Dr. Butler presented on Protein Kinase C Inhibition. He covered the promising results of darovasertib in combination with crizotinib for uveal melanoma, presenting a high response rate, even in patients with significant disease burdens. The phase one study, having transitioned to phase two/phase three, is now comparing darovasertib and crizotinib to immunotherapy or investigator choice in the first-line setting. The study aims to provide insights into the therapy’s duration, side effects, and optimal administration strategies across multiple centres. However, challenges remain, such as determining the sequencing of therapies, determining which patients should get the drug right away and which patients should be treated later on, and engaging with pharmaceutical companies to ensure patients have access to various treatment lines.

Dr. Khan reviewed data on immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors, pointing out that, while there is a higher response rate with combination immunotherapy, there are many more side effects with combination immunotherapy compared to single agent anti PD-1 therapy. Studies that compared ipilimumab + nivolumab versus nivolumab or pembrolizumab alone showed that the overall survival rate in these non-concurrent clinical trials are not that different. The response rate is a bit higher for combination versus single agent but there is no significant difference in overall survival.

One study looked at the LAG-3 combination of nivolumab and relatlimab and found that the response rate was higher than for a single agent, but a little bit lower than combination in that study. It may be an option for patients that want a higher response rate with less side effects.

Patient-Powered VISION Registry

Sara Selig introduced the VISION platform, a patient-powered real-world registry. With over 400 registered patients, the platform aims to collect data on diagnosis, barriers to treatment, and patient priorities. This valuable information aids in understanding the patient experience and advocating for improved resources and access.

In conclusion, the CURE OM Science Meeting showcased a vibrant landscape of advancements in ocular melanoma treatment. From neoadjuvant trials to real-world applications and promising biomarkers, the meeting underlined the collaborative efforts driving progress. As patients, advocates, and researchers continue to navigate this journey, the collective commitment to advancing knowledge and accessibility remains a beacon of hope.

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn about our other resources for ocular melanoma patients:

Ocumel Canada

Ocumel Canada, an initiative of Save Your Skin Foundation, was formed to increase awareness, advance treatment options, and build a supportive community for those diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic ocular melanoma (OM).

About Ocular and Uveal Melanoma

This page contains lots of information about ocular/uveal melanoma and resources for patients.

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Life After Treatment: Resources for Skin Cancer Survivors

Becoming a skin cancer survivor is not just about defeating a disease; it’s about transitioning from one phase of your life to another. Many melanoma survivors we’ve talked to have said that transitioning into survivorship, despite being the best possible outcome, has its own unique challenges. Suddenly, the care team that had been seeing them regularly is no longer part of their life. And then there’s scanxiety, or the anxiety that many people struggle with when it’s time for their annual maintenance scans.

Kathy Barnard, founder of Save Your Skin Foundation, understands this all too well as she is herself a melanoma stage 4 survivor. That’s why, when she decided to start Save Your Skin Foundation in 2006, she knew she wanted to make sure the foundation supported skin cancer patients throughout the whole continuum of their journey, including survivorship. She also wanted to help survivors and patients connect with each other so they would feel less alone in their journey.

This blog post will give you an overview of the resources we’ve developed to support melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. We hope you will find something that can help you on your journey.

Resources for Skin Cancer Survivors

Survivorship Resources

Our Survivorship page lists several resources created specifically for cancer survivors.

skin cancer survivor
skin cancer survivor

Self-Care After Cancer

Our Self-Care After Cancer page offers tons of information for those in remission, including a Q&A that answers common questions asked by new skin cancer survivors.

I’m Living Proof

I’m Living Proof is an interactive map that allows you to find other skin cancer survivors. Simply click on a star to read their story. You can even request to connect with them if you would like to know more or ask a question. We hope these stories of strength and resilience will offer you support and inspiration as you navigate your own path.

skin cancer survivors

Monthly Fireside Chats

Join our Monthly Patient Fireside Chats which have a small standing group of core hosts & new topics every first Thursday of the month. These informal chats are open to patients, survivors, caregivers and family members touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and ocular melanoma. They are discussions about life after a cancer diagnosis, including sharing experiences with treatment options, survivorship, navigating the healthcare system, and any other concern that you might have. It is also a great opportunity to meet other patients and survivors from across Canada.

Webinars

Save your Skin Foundation webinars are a great way to stay up-to-date by listening to patients, survivors, doctors, and pharmaceutical company executives discuss the melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and ocular melanoma landscape. Each webinar features a variety of experts and discusses a different topic.

skin cancer survivor
skin cancer survivor

One-on-one Support

Transitioning into survivorship has its own challenges. Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring support to all those in remission. We invite all ocular melanoma, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer patients, at any stage, to get in touch.

As you navigate the complex landscape of life after skin cancer treatment, remember that you are not alone. We invite you to connect with us and fellow survivors, and to help us in creating a community where hope and resilience abound as you embrace this new chapter in your journey.

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

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Melanoma on the Leg: Understanding Detection and Prognosis

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can occur anywhere on the body. While it often develops in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face, it can also appear in less sun-exposed regions. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects of melanoma on the leg, including its appearance, detection, and prognosis.

Melanoma on the Leg: What You Need to Know

Location Matters for Melanoma Development

Melanomas most commonly develop in areas that have been exposed to the sun, including the legs. It’s essential to recognize that melanomas can also occur in areas with minimal sun exposure, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and fingernail beds. These hidden melanomas are more frequently found in people with darker skin.

Early Detection is Crucial

Early detection of melanoma can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. It’s important to regularly examine your skin for anything new, changing, or unusual, not only on sun-exposed areas but also on sun-protected regions. For women, it’s worth noting that melanomas frequently appear on the legs, while men tend to develop them on the trunk.[1] However, melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas not directly exposed to the sun.

Melanoma on leg

Appearance of Melanoma on the Leg

Melanoma on the leg may present and behave differently in different people. Characteristics include:

  • Spots, sores, moles, or bumps on the skin that change in shape, size, or color
  • Red or brown colored scaly skin
  • Skin that oozes, bleeds, swells, or may feel painful, itchy, or tender[2]

 

Prognosis and Survival

Location plays a crucial role in the prognosis and survival of melanoma patients. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, having melanoma on the arms or legs generally has a better prognosis than having melanoma on the central part of the body, head, or neck.[3]

Early Detection and Awareness Are Key for Melanomas on the Leg

In conclusion, melanoma can affect any part of the body, including the legs. Early detection and awareness of the appearance of melanomas on the leg are vital for increasing the chances of successful treatment. Regular skin self-exams and understanding the different types and locations of melanoma can make a significant difference in achieving a positive prognosis.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual skin changes or have concerns about melanoma. Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and guide you toward the best course of action for your specific situation.‌

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn about other types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC is the most common cancer in the world, with incidence exceeding that of all other cancers combined. BCC can develop anywhere, though it is most commonly found in sun exposed areas.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which begins in the keratinocyte cells, is the second most common skin cancer. While SCC usually develops in areas that have been exposed to the sun, it can also manifest in burn or wound sites.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare non-melanoma skin cancer. It can develop in the merkel cells, which are found in the deepest areas of the epidermis and hair follicles.

[1] “Melanoma Warning Signs and Images.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 May 2023, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/. Accessed October 24, 2023.

[2] “Skin Cancer on Leg: Appearance and More.” Medical News Today, 17 Apr. 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-cancer-on-leg. Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.

[3] Lee, Sid. “Prognosis and Survival for Melanoma Skin Cancer.” Canadian Cancer Society, 2015, cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/skin-melanoma/prognosis-and-survival. Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.

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Is Skin Cancer Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Prognosis

Skin cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of people each year. The question often arises: “Is skin cancer dangerous?” To address this concern, we’ll explore the various types of skin cancer and their potential risks and prognosis.

Melanoma:

Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that it caused 1,200 deaths in Canada in 2022. The outlook for individuals with melanoma can vary significantly. Most melanomas can be cured if detected and treated before they have a chance to spread. Early detection and removal of melanoma are essential for a full recovery.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 50,000-60,000 Canadians every year[1]. BCC is generally considered less dangerous than melanoma. However, if not detected and treated early, it can become locally destructive and, in rare instances, metastasize.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 20,000 cases diagnosed each year in the Canada[2]. Like BCC, SCC can be locally destructive and sometimes metastasize if not detected and treated early.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC):

MCC is a relatively rare but highly aggressive skin cancer. MCCs are at high risk of recurring and metastasizing, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and treatment.

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis and survival rates for skin cancer are influenced by several factors, as outlined by the Canadian Cancer Society:

Location: Skin cancer on certain areas, such as around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes, and genitals, may have a higher risk of recurrence or metastasis.

Size and Depth: Larger tumors and those that have grown deep into the skin are more likely to come back.

Recurrence: Skin cancer that returns after treatment may have a less favorable prognosis.

Type or Subtype: Some subtypes of BCC and SCC tend to grow more quickly and have different outcomes.

Immunosuppression: Weakened immune systems can impact the prognosis.

Stage: The stage at diagnosis is a significant determinant of prognosis.

Outlook for Skin Cancer In general, the outlook for skin cancer is positive. The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% if detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. For BCC and SCC, the outlook is favorable, especially when diagnosed early. However, as skin cancer advances, the prognosis may vary. In conclusion, most skin cancers are curable, especially when detected and treated in their early stages. Early detection, regular check-ups with a dermatologist, and prompt treatment are essential in ensuring a positive outcome. While skin cancer can be a serious diagnosis, advances in medical treatments offer hope and optimism for those affected by this condition. If you have concerns about your specific case, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your prognosis and treatment options.

In summary, in answering the question “is skin cancer dangerous?” one must consider various elements such as the type, stage, and other prognostic factors. Melanoma is considered the most dangerous of the common skin cancers, while BCC and SCC can also pose significant risks if not detected and treated promptly. Understanding these risks and working with a healthcare provider to assess prognosis based on individual factors are essential steps in managing and treating skin cancer. Early detection remains the key to improving the prognosis and ensuring a better outcome.

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn About Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that uses the human body’s own immune system to fight cancer.  It may be administered to patients intravenously in the Chemotherapy Unit of the hospital, but it is not the same as chemotherapy.

Learn About Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target cancer cells. For melanoma, these drugs target the activity of a specific or unique feature of melanoma cancer cells.

Learn About Clinical Trials

New treatments are tested in clinical trials before they are approved for general use. There are safeguards in place to ensure clinical trials are as safe as possible and meet medical ethical standards. Participating in a trial can be a way to have access to potentially helpful new therapies you couldn’t get otherwise.

[1] “Basal Cell Carcinoma.” Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, 26 Mar. 2020, www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.

[2] “Squamous Cell Carcinoma.” Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, 26 Mar. 2020, www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.

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Is Skin Cancer Curable?

Skin cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide. In Canada, about 80,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.[1] Skin cancer encompasses various types, with the most common being basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with skin cancer, you may be wondering “is skin cancer curable?” The outlook for individuals with skin cancer depends on several factors, including early detection, type, stage, and treatment. Let’s explore what the experts have to say.

 

Early Detection is Key

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly all skin cancers can be cured if they’re treated before they have a chance to spread. This emphasizes the crucial role of early detection. The earlier skin cancer is found and removed, the better the chances of a full recovery. It’s essential to schedule regular check-ups with a dermatologist to ensure that any potential issues are identified promptly. If you notice something unusual on your skin, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

 

Types of Skin Cancer

As noted by the Cancer Research UK, different types of skin cancer have varying prognoses:

 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is highly curable, with an extremely low likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body. Most cases can be treated effectively by removing the cancerous tissue along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin.

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is also typically curable, with a high success rate in treatment. In some instances where SCC has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, it may still be curable through appropriate treatment such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or cryotherapy.[2]

 

Melanoma

Early stage melanoma is often curable through surgery.[3] Among the surgical techniques available for melanoma, wide excision is commonly recommended. This procedure involves the complete removal of the cancerous tissue. More advanced melanoma will often require additional forms of treatment, such a s lymph node dissections, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis for non-melanoma skin cancers is generally excellent, but various factors can influence the outcome, as explained by the Canadian Cancer Society. These factors include:

Location: Skin cancer on certain areas, such as around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes, and genitals, may have a higher risk of recurrence or metastasis.

Size and Depth: Larger tumors and those that have grown deep into the skin are more likely to come back.

Recurrence: Skin cancer that returns after treatment may have a less favorable prognosis.

Type or Subtype: Some subtypes of BCC and SCC tend to grow more quickly and have different outcomes.

Immunosuppression: Weakened immune systems can impact the prognosis.

Stage: The stage at diagnosis is a significant determinant of prognosis.

Outlook for Skin Cancer In general, the outlook for skin cancer is positive. The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% if detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. For BCC and SCC, the outlook is favorable, especially when diagnosed early. However, as skin cancer advances, the prognosis may vary. In conclusion, most skin cancers are curable, especially when detected and treated in their early stages. Early detection, regular check-ups with a dermatologist, and prompt treatment are essential in ensuring a positive outcome. While skin cancer can be a serious diagnosis, advances in medical treatments offer hope and optimism for those affected by this condition. If you have concerns about your specific case, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your prognosis and treatment options.

Is Skin Cancer Curable?

In general, the outlook for skin cancer is positive. The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% if detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. For BCC and SCC, the outlook is favorable, especially when diagnosed early. However, as skin cancer advances, the prognosis may vary.

In conclusion, most skin cancers are curable, especially when detected and treated in their early stages. Early detection, regular check-ups with a dermatologist, and prompt treatment are essential in ensuring a positive outcome. While skin cancer can be a serious diagnosis, advances in medical treatments offer hope and optimism for those affected by this condition.

Please remember that the statistics and opinions cited on this page are general, and do not apply to every person’s experience of skin cancer. And if you have concerns about your specific case, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your prognosis and treatment options.

Get Support

Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those touched by melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, or ocular melanoma – whether they are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, in remission or referred to as “NED” (no evidence of disease).

WE INVITE ALL SKIN CANCER PATIENTS, AT ANY STAGE, TO GET IN TOUCH.

We are here to help. Call us at 1-800-460-5832 or email info@saveyourskin.ca

Learn More About Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that uses the human body’s own immune system to fight cancer.  It may be administered to patients intravenously in the Chemotherapy Unit of the hospital, but it is not the same as chemotherapy.

Learn More About Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target cancer cells. For melanoma, these drugs target the activity of a specific or unique feature of melanoma cancer cells.

Learn More About Clinical Trials

New treatments are tested in clinical trials before they are approved for general use. There are safeguards in place to ensure clinical trials are as safe as possible and meet medical ethical standards. Participating in a trial can be a way to have access to potentially helpful new therapies you couldn’t get otherwise.

[1] “Skin Cancer.” Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/skin-cancer/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.

[2] “Is Skin Cancer Curable.” Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-skin-cancer-curable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.

[3] “Melanoma Overview.” Skin Cancer Foundation, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.

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Letter from the President of the Save Your Skin Foundation

Happy new year!

We are delighted to announce that the Save Your Skin Foundation is now officially ten years old! It has been an incredible honour to represent melanoma patients, caregivers, and survivors across Canada and to be a voice for those who have lost their battle with the disease.

2017 will be another exciting year for the melanoma landscape, with increasing availability of innovative treatment options. As survival rates are taking an upturn due to these new treatments, we are excited to see that our focus now includes supporting a growing community of melanoma survivors. Hope for survival has become a viable option.

This progress comes with challenges. Treatments are still expensive, and the sequencing of treatments and timely negotiations continue to be problematic. Ensuring equal timely access of treatments to people who need them always has been, and continues to be, our primary goal. In 2017, we look forward to working on these challenges with our patients, caregivers, physicians, partners, and decision makers. When we were a small organisation in 2006, our goal was to provide compassionate care and support to those touched by melanoma; today, we are proud to say that we are able to do so collaboratively with the melanoma community.

We could not have come this far without your support. To all of our corporate and pharmaceutical funders, and every person who has donated: thank you. To every member of government and medical professional or scientist we have worked with: thank you. Most importantly, thank you to every patient who has ever contacted the Save Your Skin Foundation. We learn something new from every patient we encounter, regardless of your level of involvement with us.

By working as a team over the past ten years, we have made great strides in the treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers. By doing the same in 2017, we can only continue to make progress towards eliminating this disease and making a difference in the lives of many.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Barnard

 

Save Your Skin Founder and President Kathleen Barnard presents at the 2017 Canadian Melanoma Conference

Save Your Skin Founder and President Kathleen Barnard presents at the 2017 Canadian Melanoma Conference

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Save Your Skin Weekly Flashback! [August 14-20th!]

Welcome to the Save Your Skin Foundation media flashback- your weekly guide to the melanoma landscape, and the activities of the Save Your Skin Foundation! This week, we are very excited to announce the launch of our joint project with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, #MelanomaThroughMyLens! The photo diary beautifully illustrates the journeys of six Canadians’ battle with melanoma, including Kathleen Barnard and Danika Garneau of Save Your Skin. If you are interested in learning more about the Save Your Skin survivor community, check out our I’m Living Proof initiative!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Friday, August 26th and Save Your Skin’s next webinar! This post-ASCO review will feature Dr. Omid Hamid, Director of the Melanoma Center at the Angeles Clinic and Research Institute! More details can be found in the banner below.

syspostscsowebinar

 

Here are some links we shared with you this week:

Our pal Natalie Richardson’s blog about the #MelanomaThroughMyLens project over at The Impatient Patient!

This University of California San Francisco article which predicts immunotherapy response in melanoma

This Newsmax Health article about sun damage removal procedures

This article on BBC News about the importance of sun safety for motorists

This blog post on Everyday Maeve about Sun Angels UV protective arm sleeves for kids!

This OncLive article about the rapid pace at which new treatment options are approved

This article in Melanoma News Today reporting a study by the Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital of The University of Sydney about the life quality improvement of patients receiving Opdivo

 

Thanks for reading, stay sun safe out there!

 

sunsafebeachbackground

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