La Roche-Posay launches call to action 'Skinchecker' campaign
NEW YORK — La Roche-Posay has launched Skinchecker, a new campaign aimed at empowering every individual to play a proactive role in the skin cancer screening process, in response to the findings of an international study.
La Roche-Posay partnered with global survey organization Ipsos to uncover sun safety behavior worldwide and where the U.S. stands from a global perspective. The international study looked into the protection habits, attitudes toward the sun, risk factors and screening behaviors associated with sun exposure.
The study showed that, although there is a global awareness of the dangers, there is a gap in behavior: even though 92% of the worldwide population is aware that unprotected sun exposure can cause health problems, 52% have never had their moles checked by a dermatologist.
The worldwide survey, conducted in 23 countries, on more than 19,000 men and women aged 15 to 65 found that although people are aware of the risks of developing skin cancer when exposed to the sun, just 1-in-2 of those questioned has ever consulted a dermatologist for a mole screening, and 1-in-4 of them has never even checked their own moles on their body. Overall, Americans were found to have slightly better sun safety habits and awareness compared with other countries.
In terms of knowledge of risks related to sun exposure, Americans fall in line with the average, but there is one risk factor that requires more education: only 65% believe the number and size of moles is an indicator for skin cancer compared with the worldwide average of 72%. When it comes to looking out for loved ones, La Roche-Posay found that although two-thirds of people say they do more for the health of others than themselves, only one-third has ever told someone close to them to have their skin checked.
In response to the survey, La Roche-Posay has launched Skinchecker. With the power of loved ones in mind, Skinchecker was ignited as a way to get people involved as spot checkers.
La Roche-Posay’s Skinchecker platform will live on the La Roche-Posay website and will include tips on how to become a skin checker to quickly identify a potential problem and encourage them to go see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Skinchecker will be supported internationally within every country La Roche-Posay is available.