When it comes to avoiding cancer, prevention and early detection are essential. That's why knowing your risk is so important.

My CanerIQ will help you learn about things that might be raising or lowering your risk for certain cancers. At the end of each assessment you'll receive personalized tips on what you can start doing right now to help lower your risk and live a longer, healthier life.

The ABCDEs of Malignant Melanoma recognition will aid in early detection. Melanoma commonly appears on the back and legs in lighter skinned people and on the hands, feet and nails in darker skinned people. Sun exposure is a major risk factor in causing melanoma.

Look for these features:

If you are concerned about changes in a specific mole, see your Dermatologist. For additional information, please consult the Canadian Dermatology Association. 

Tree cover in Chatham-Kent is at an alarming low of 6%! The benefits of shade trees are well documented and range from improved air quality, natural summer cooling, and protection from the sun and possible skin cancers that may result from its exposure.

Tomorrow's Greener Communities Today is a tree planting initiative, in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. The program aims to provide more shade on schoolyards and throughout the community by planting trees each year in Spring.

The Sun Aware camp program is designed to help protect children and teens from skin cancer. The goal of the program is to help camps implement best practices in sun safety and create sun safe policies and guidelines. The program also provides necessary training materials for camp councillors, lifeguards and staff. The award winning program is free for participating camps.