According to the Melanoma Research Alliance, an estimated 100,640 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year. While this statistic is alarming, skin cancer is preventable; and when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%1. La Roche-Posay, the worldwide expert in advanced UV protection, is dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of sun safety and making sunscreen a matter of public health.
For fourteen years, La Roche-Posay has led the fight against skin cancer with its annual public health awareness and educational campaign, SOS – Save Our Skin. SOS – Save Our Skin informs the public about the dangers of UV rays, educates on the importance of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and shows the importance of making “Every Day A Sunscreen Day” through annual skin cancer screenings. As the only type of cancer visible to the naked eye, skin cancer checks are a critical way of detecting suspicious moles that may be cancerous.
This Melanoma Monday (May 6th) La Roche-Posay is taking over a New York City landmark – Flatiron Plaza – to kick off Skin Cancer Awareness Month and further its mission of spreading knowledge about sun safety measures & reminding the public that “Every Day is a Sunscreen Day”. In partnership with The Dermatology Specialists, New York City’s largest dermatology practice, La Roche-Posay will offer free skin checks to the public from 10am – 7pm. The brand’s first-ever pop-up truck will feature four exam rooms to allow hundreds of people, who may not have access to a dermatologist, to receive a free and private skin check performed by Dermatology trained Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners from The Dermatology Specialists.
As part of the brand’s commitment to the cancer community and ongoing partnership with the American Cancer Society, La Roche-Posay will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society for every skin check completed over the course of the summer (up to $25,000)*. Visitors will also receive samples of the brand’s dermatologist recommended and award-winning Anthelios sun care and skin care products that are suitable for all skin tones, types, and ages, as well as educational sun safety materials, coupons, and more.
In addition, La Roche-Posay will promote sun safety education and encourage regular skin checks in three New York City communities including Washington Square Park in Manhattan, Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center in the Bronx, and Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. Sun safety materials including Anthelios samples and educational pamphlets will also be distributed, further bolstering La Roche-Posay’s commitment to spreading sun safety awareness.
“La Roche-Posay’s commitment to the cancer community, and specifically skin cancer prevention, continues to play a key role in our brand’s mission. We know that prevention and early detection are two of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of skin cancer. Through our SOS – Save Our Skin event, hundreds of people will not only receive Anthelios products to protect themselves from the sun this summer but will also have access to a dermatologist for a potentially life-saving skin check.” – Rachelle Mladjenovic, General Manager, La Roche-Posay USA
“We are proud to support The Dermatology Specialists’ partnership with the prestigious team at La Roche-Posay who share our commitment to sunscreen awareness. Together, we aim to educate on the importance of sun protection and sun-safe behaviors through a community-driven mobilization of skin experts delivering medical knowledge, cancer screenings, and trusted products. La Roche Posay’s mission mirrors our own at TDS, a Practice built on open access to all for healthy skin with over 50 locations across the NYC boroughs and Long Island.” – Dr. Bobby Buka, MD, JD, board-certified dermatologist, Founder and CEO of @thedermspecs.
*The American Cancer Society does not endorse or promote any product or service
