Free Skin Cancer Screenings Offered at Mobile Clinic in Montreal

Montreal residents have the opportunity to receive complimentary skin cancer screenings this weekend at a mobile clinic known as “Méla Mobile.” Operating from March 10 to 12, 2024, the clinic is stationed on Ontario Street Est, across from Saint-Clément Park in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. The initiative, organized by Melanoma Canada in partnership with the Canadian Dermatology Association, aims to provide accessible dermatological care without the need for appointments or insurance costs.

The clinic is particularly timely for those like Olivia Choquette, who stopped by after completing the Beneva Montreal Marathon on Saturday. As a natural redhead with fair skin, Choquette emphasizes the importance of sun protection in her daily routine. “I’m always checking my body to see if there are any new moles or marks,” she noted. She explained that securing a timely appointment with a dermatologist can often be challenging and that even successful visits can leave patients with insufficient time to address all their concerns.

Long wait times for dermatology services have become a pressing issue in Quebec. According to Dr. Osama Roshdy, an assistant professor at McGill University who is volunteering with the mobile clinic, there are over 100,000 patients currently awaiting dermatological care in the province. He highlighted that delays could range from several weeks to more than a year. “If there happens to be any cancer, the wait will see those keep progressing,” he cautioned. Melanoma, in particular, can advance significantly in a short period, with the potential to worsen in as little as six weeks.

The mobile clinic serves as a vital alternative for individuals facing long waits in the public health system. Marc-Antoine Rodrigue shared his experience of struggling to secure an appointment, stating that he was informed there was no availability due to his age and health status. He was advised to seek private consultations, which can cost between $200 and $300. “Even if the wait [at the mobile clinic] was longer, it wouldn’t bother me because it’s still not as long as it could take in the public system,” Rodrigue remarked.

Another visitor, Pierre-Marc Jodoin, expressed gratitude for the clinic’s accessibility, particularly given his family history of skin cancer. “It’s accessible, close to home, no need for an appointment, and it’s free,” he said.

The urgency of skin cancer screening is underscored by statistics from Canadian Cancer Statistics, which indicate that melanoma is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. Each year, approximately 22 Canadians receive a melanoma diagnosis, with three fatalities daily. Skin cancers, overall, represent the most prevalent form of cancer, affecting around 91,000 individuals annually—more than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined.

Early detection is critical in managing skin cancer effectively. While treatment for advanced cases can exceed $160,000 per patient, costs can drop to as low as $50 with timely intervention, as noted by Melanoma Canada. The organization emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about both early detection and prevention, particularly through education on sun safety.

In recent discussions, Jy Nanda, a spokesperson for Melanoma Canada, highlighted the dangers of misinformation circulating on social media platforms regarding sunscreen. Some users have mistakenly claimed that sunscreen is harmful, contributing to a wider public misunderstanding. “Prevention is crucial, especially with the sun and the UV rays stronger than ever,” Nanda stated.

Choquette observed a cultural shift towards improved skin care habits but acknowledged that more work remains to be done. “I’ve personally gotten better, and now that I’m in my early 30s, I make sure to wear sunscreen on my face every day,” she shared.

The mobile clinic will continue to offer screenings in Montreal’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough until Sunday, providing an accessible option for those seeking dermatological care without the lengthy wait times typical of the public health system.