Did you know that May is Melanoma Awareness month? This month focuses on raising awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and to promote prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Skin cancer is no joke: it’s the most common cancer in the U.S.; 1 in 5 people are diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. In spite of it being common, it’s also deadly, in fact melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and it’s growing at an epidemic rate, increasing by 3% in cases every year. If left untreated, melanoma can spread (metastasize) to other organs and tissues in the body, making it much more difficult to treat and potentially fatal.
As a melanoma survivor, I want to spread the word about melanoma prevention, detection, and treatment so I can help others! One thing that I recommend is that you see your dermatologist annually to have a full body skin check, as well as do a monthly self skin check. If you live in the Cincinnati area, you’re lucky, because you can get FREE screening! Melanoma Know More is a local organization here in Cincinnati that provides free monthly skin cancer screening clinics all around the tristate area.
I’m a proud supporter of Melanoma Know More and the work they are doing to increase awareness about melanoma in our region. Keep reading to find out more about this powerful local organization and how you can connect with them to learn more about preventing and diagnosing melanoma for yourself.
What is Melanoma Know More?
Melanoma Know More (MKM) is dedicated to creating a world where melanoma is no longer a threat. Founded in 2007 by families of patients treated by renowned melanoma oncologist Dr. Philip Leming, MKM aims to educate Greater Cincinnati about the devastating impact of melanoma. Through awareness programs and fundraising efforts, MKM strives to promote early detection and prevention practices, honoring the memory of loved ones lost to the disease. Over the years, MKM has developed successful initiatives, increased awareness, and raised funds to support the ongoing fight against melanoma.
Did you say FREE Monthly Skin Cancer Screening Clinics?
Yes! MKM offers free monthly skin cancer screening clinics in collaboration with area hospitals and dermatologists. MKM began hosting these screening clinics in 2010 and have since screened over 8,700 patients and provided over 3,000 patients referrals for suspected melanoma and/or other issues. At least nineteen individuals have been diagnosed with melanoma from their screening clinics and have received further treatment. You can find out when their next free skin cancer screening is by going to their website, melanomaknowmore.com.
What else does Melanoma Know More offer?
- Skin Cancer Screenings Awareness outreach at various community and corporate events.
- School and Youth Education – Educational outreach programs for local area schools that provides students with important information about sun and skin safety.
- Sunscreen Dispenser Program – Melanoma Know More and SwimSafe Pool Management are collaborating on a pilot program to deploy “sponsored” station dispenser to provide free sunscreen at selected area pools
- MKM Research Grant -We support medical research devoted to ending this disease by funding an annual grant for programs in Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.
- Girl Scouts Sun Safety Patch Design Contest
- Flying Pig MKM team
- Susan Roebuck Memorial Golf outing
- Music for Melanoma Gala
Looking for fun things to do in (or out!) of the summer sun? Check out our list of local events.
