October is Melanoma Awareness Month

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for the colour of our skin, eyes and hair. When these cells divide abnormally it results in melanoma.

Melanoma can be more serious than other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma; it can progress quickly and can be life-threatening.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, La Roche-Posay, throughout October we’re raising awareness by sharing facts and information about melanoma, ways to help you prevent it, methods to help you detect it, along with real-life stories from melanoma survivors. We’ll be travelling the country with our free spot check events in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Free spot check events – October

All events are 10am-4pm

Auckland
3 October: Westfield Manukau
4 October: Westfield St Lukes
5 October: Westfield Albany
10-12 October: Westfield Newmarket

Hamilton
3-5 October: Chartwell Shopping Centre

Tauranga
17-19 October: Fraser Cove Shopping Centre

Wellington
10-12 October: North City Shopping Centre, Porirua

Christchurch
17-19 October: Westfield Riccarton

Dunedin
24-26 October: Meridian Mall

FIND MORE SPOT CHECK EVENTS

How to prevent sun damage

Melanoma is almost always preventable. As you get older, the build-up of UV exposure over your lifetime leads to damaged skin and an increased likelihood of melanoma. Use our SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE guide below as a reminder of how to prevent sun damage.

Slip

Cover up with long-sleeved shirts with collars, as well as long pants, skirts or lavalava. You can look out for clothing that uses UV protective fabrics, known as Ultra Violet Protection Factor or UPF.

Slop

Slop on some broad-spectrum sunscreen, that is at least SPF 30 which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant. Remember to apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours with a two coat approach.

Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more detailed information on sunscreen.
Watch video >

Slap

Slap on a broad-brimmed hat with at least a 7.5cm brim. Did you know caps do not protect the neck, ears, or side of the face?

Seek

Seek shade, particularly from September to April, and especially between 10am and 4pm. Schedule outdoor activities for times of the day with the least UV radiation. Use an umbrella or a portable shade.

Slide

Slide on some close-fitting sunglasses that don’t let the sun rays into the side of your frames. Polarised glasses help, particularly with UV reflection from concrete, water and snow.