Dr. Anatoli Freiman co-chaired the Canadian Dermatology Association Skin Cancer Symposium recently held in Toronto. Over 300 participants, mostly family physicians, from across Canada attended the event. It is important to be aware that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer – one in six Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. In fact, is one of the most preventable. Dr. Freiman discussed various types of skin cancers and pre-cancers (actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, melanoma) and treatments. According to the official Cancer Care Ontario clinical practice guidelines, patients especially at risk of developing skin cancer should be counselled about skin self-exams and offered yearly total body skin examination by an expert, such as dermatologist. Of note, high risk factors for developing skin cancer are considered: 1) Fair skin, red or blond hair; tendency to freckle and burn, 2) Personal or family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, 3) Multiple moles, and/or any atypical or dysplastic moles, 4) Excessive sun exposure. Toronto Dermatology Centre runs a Skin Cancer Clinic staffed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons – patients are typically referred for annual skin examinations or “mole patrols”, and diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Early skin cancer detection greatly increases the chance of successful treatment and cure.