NEW YORK, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As melanoma cases continue to rise, La Roche-Posay has 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, an alarming 52% has never had their moles checked by a dermatologist. Today, La Roche-Posay uncovers the results of this study to shed light on this growing epidemic and what we can do to protect ourselves and loved ones.
SUN SAFETY HABITS GLOBALLY VS THE U.S. The worldwide survey, conducted in 23 countries, on over 19,000 men and women aged 15-65 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 to other countries. According to the IPSOS study:
U.S.
HABIT
WORLDWIDE
26%
Protect skin year round
18%
18%
Have moles checked by a dermatologist once a year
11%
38%
Self-check at least once a year
33%
SUN SAFETY KNOWLEDGE GLOBALLY VS THE U.S. 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 to the worldwide average of 72%. When it comes to looking out for loved ones, La Roche-Posay found that although 2/3 of people say they do more for the health of others than themselves, only 1/3 has ever told someone close to them to have their skin checked. A call to action is needed in the U.S. to help educate on the importance of self-exams and annual dermatologist visits.
CALL TO ACTION In response to this survey, the sun safe crusaders at La Roche-Posay have launched SKINCHECKER, a new and modern campaign empowering every individual to play a proactive role in the skin cancer screening process. With the power of loved ones in mind, SKINCHECKER was ignited as a way to get people involved as spot checkers. Dedicated to sun safety education, La Roche-Posay created a shareable video with adorable Dalmatians checking each other spots, urging individuals to keep an eye on their spots, and the spots of their loved ones'. The goal? To encourage men and women to get professional skin checks, and empower them to become a skin checker.
Angela Bennett, Vice President for La Roche-Posay adds, "Skin cancer is the only type of cancer visible to the naked eye and, if diagnosed early enough, 90% of melanoma cases can be treated effectively. Since 2010, we've been involved with skin cancer prevention and each year we look for a new way to encourage behavior change. With the launch of SKINCHECKER, we are urging the public to take a closer look at themselves and the ones they love. As a brand passionate about skin cancer prevention, we are always looking for fresh, simple ways to get this message to the public."
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. The campaign is designed to make everything as easy as possible: 1) click to download the step-by-step process to becoming a skin checker, and 2) one click to share the video with a friend or loved one to encourage them to become a skin checker too. SKINCHECKER will be supported internationally within every country La Roche-Posay is available to ensure this message reaches as many people as possible.
About LA ROCHE-POSAY and ANTHELIOS Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists to meet their standards in efficacy, tolerance and elegant textures for increased compliance. The products, which are developed using a strict formulation charter, include a minimal number of ingredients to reduce side effects and reactivity and are formulated with active ingredients at optimal concentrations for increased efficacy. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing to guarantee efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin. A leader in advanced UVA formulation research and innovation for over 15 years, La Roche-Posay's Anthelios sunscreen range is trusted and recognized by dermatologists all over the world for providing effective UVA and UVB protection. The range features advanced patented sunscreen technologies, including 100% mineral-based UV protection formulas, as well as those developed with Mexoryl™SX, a unique, key ingredient that acts as a short wave UVA filter, and most recently, CELL-OX SHIELD™ XL, a powerful, synergistic combination of filters that provides UVA/UVB and antioxidant protection using 21% fewer ingredients. All Anthelios sunscreens are known for their effective, broad-spectrum protection as well as their fast-absorbing, lightweight and cosmetically elegant texture.
About SOS – Save Our Skin Now in its sixth year, La Roche-Posay continues its SOS – Save Our Skin to not only inform Americans about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of sun safety, but to also encourage true behavioral change, such as incorporating sun protection in their daily routines and visiting their dermatologists for regular skin checks. In partnership with the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), the SOS – Save Our Skin campaign lives through a series of initiatives, including skin checks at sporting events, local hospitals and drug stores as well as free skin checks offered to all L'Oreal corporate employees. To learn how to do a self-check and choose the right protection, visit www.sossaveourskin.com.
SOURCE La Roche-Posay
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