Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) and NIVEA Sun Middle East have announced the continuation of "Mole Talk," a pan-UAE skin cancer awareness and school education program first introduced in September 2014.

Throughout the coming year, over 1,500 male and female students will be educated about skin cancer detection and prevention approaches while a medical group encourages students on the best ways to follow basic actions for a total sun defense regime that helps in reducing the dangers of establishing skin cancer.

The school visits, once completed-- will have happened in main and secondary schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman to reach youths throughout the UAE. As part of a national outreach program for schools, the campaign's medical teams have already gone to 12 schools to deliver a one-hour presentation with more to come in the following months.

The presentation highlights the symptoms and signs of skin cancer and motivates students to lead a sun-safe lifestyle to safeguard themselves from strong sunlight, especially throughout the hot summer months.

The medical group on the trip also advises students to practice sun-protection basics all year round, most notably in summer, to offer their skin the best possibility of long-lasting health, and to prevent skin cancer. Students will be motivated to frequently apply sun defense creams, seek shade, prevent the sun at midday, conceal with clothing and wide-brimmed hats, to wear UV-blocking sunglasses and drink a lot of water to remain hydrated.

Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FoCP, stated "Skin cancer is a lifestyle illness that affects young adults as well as older people as the damage to skin can take place years before cancer actually establishes. This is why we are conducting the project, to enhance awareness in our region where the environment leaves us highly exposed to the threat of skin cancer. It is vitally important to educate the general public about how to 'listen' to their skin and follow simple suggestions that help avoid skin cancer, the fourth most common cancer among guys in the region and the 5th most typical amongst females.".

Naheel Abdelall, Marketing Communications Manager for Beiersdorf MENA added: "One of the very best methods to handle the possible threat of skin cancer is through taking cautionary steps when out in the sun. The regular application of quality sun defense is a vital part of that, which is why NIVEA Sun felt it was very important to partner with FoCP and launch Mole Talk. We want to help tackle skin cancer through prevention and awareness, so that individuals can enjoy the sunshine and great weather that we have here in the region in a safe way. Through Mole Talk, we are working to make sure any ages, from school age upwards, comprehend the significance of looking after their skin.".

The 12 schools visited to this day have actually been American International School. French Dubai Schools, Al Manar Secondary School, Ajman Modern School, Dar Al Marefa School. Al Maaref Private, Al Zuhoor Private School, Department if Children Centers Summer Camp, Excellist Learning Center, Arab Unity School, Indian High School and Al Noor International School.

Four more schools throughout the UAE will likewise be checked out in the next couple of weeks; Al Durra School, GEMS Westminster School, Al Dawah Private School and Ras Al Khaimah Academy.

According to the UN World Health Organisation (WHO), in between 2 to 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers happen globally each year. Skin cancer is also highly treatable if found early, with a cure rate of up to 100 %.

The "Mole Talk" campaign is a joint initiative by FoCP, the UAE's leading cancer specific charity, and NIVEA Sun Middle East. Mole Talk intends to raise awareness about skin cancer, specifically highlighting the importance of both defense and early detection by informing the public and healthcare professionals about among the MENA region's most common however least comprehended cancers.