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The Melanoma Research Foundation Encourages You to #GetNaked and Detect Melanoma Early

The MRF announced the launch of its provocative new awareness campaign designed to prompt people to watch for potentially dangerous changes in moles on the skin.

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The best way to fight one of the deadliest and fastest growing cancers may be to get naked. The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) announced today the launch of #GetNaked, a provocative new awareness campaign designed to prompt people to watch for potentially dangerous changes in moles on the skin.

Research has shown that patients, not doctors, are most likely to spot their melanomas, so the MRF is encouraging people to #GetNaked and ask a friend or family member to check hard-to-see places and keep track of suspicious moles.

Performing thorough self-skin examinations each month and visiting a dermatologist each year for a professional examination, can help catch melanoma in its early stages, dramatically increasing survival rates. It takes only one blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life.

“When people think about protecting themselves from melanoma, they typically think about sunscreen, often ignoring the importance of checking for irregular moles or discoloration,” said Tim Turnham, Ph.D., executive director of the MRF. “Melanoma can be deadly, but this campaign encourages early detection, before it spreads, so that it can be more easily treated.”

On May 1, melanoma advocates are encouraged to change their social media profile pictures to an official #GetNaked image and share important early detection messages. Participants can also share digital “postcards” that feature campaign images and slogans with friends and family via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Visit www.melanoma.org/getnaked to learn more.

Media Contact: Lauren Smith Dyer, [email protected]. (202) 870-8827 

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About Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. With a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 77,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2014, resulting in almost 10,000 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old. The majority of melanomas occur on the skin; in fact, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can also occur in the eye (ocular, or uveal melanoma), in mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma), or even beneath fingernails or toenails.

About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook and Twitter.