Hello Gentle Reader,

Consider the skin - our largest organ and yet the one neglected by most, and often actively put in harm's way. From skinned knees to spots to unexpected wind or sunburn, we slather on creams and ointments, apply plasters, and then, usually turn our attention to something else. Often, back to the activity causing the skin injury in the first place.

Perhaps it's time to encourage admiration of a pale, untanned skin, so lauded in Bridgerton or Twilight settings. Particularly in the young, where tanning can cause long term damage. Surely the 11,000 new melanoma cases per year (see the blog) would be cheering such efforts on as well as being very grateful to hear about new treatments.

For Skin Cancer Awareness Month we discuss what drives persistent tanning behaviours, add updates on cancer screening advances, and suggest methods to help you inform strategy, shape conversations, and stay ahead.

Happy Reading,

Ruth

This month’s edition offers:

• A feature on how publications and Medical Affairs teams can make a real impact this Skin Cancer Awareness Month, by accelerating research dissemination, promoting prevention, and supporting the uptake of new therapies.
• A blog spotlight examining why risky tanning behaviours persist despite rising awareness.
• Industry updates including a urine test for prostate cancer, new WHO guidelines for meningitis, and FDA approval of the first at-home cervical cancer screening device.

Feature Focus: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The Role of Medical Affairs in Advancing Research and Education

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers globally, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. Yet despite its commonality, it remains one of the most preventable. Public health campaigns, improved screening practices, and sun safety awareness have all contributed to progress. However, the burden of disease continues to rise, particularly in ageing populations and sun-exposed regions.

This month marks an important moment for the healthcare and scientific community to refocus attention on prevention, early detection, and the innovation driving new treatment pathways. For Medical Affairs and publications professionals, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is not just about visibility—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in shaping the conversation.

Medical Affairs teams are uniquely positioned to:

• Highlight the latest clinical evidence on skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Bridge the gap between research and practice by ensuring data are disseminated clearly and effectively.
• Educate stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to policymakers, using insights from both clinical trials and real-world data.

As the oncology pipeline for skin cancer evolves—from immunotherapies to personalised treatment approaches—it becomes ever more critical to ensure that research is communicated accurately, accessibly, and strategically.

Why It Matters: For Publications Managers and Medical Affairs Professionals

In oncology and dermatology, timing is everything. Getting the right data in front of the right audiences, at the right time, can shift clinical practice, accelerate the adoption of new therapies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Behind every impactful publication or awareness campaign are the professionals who bring research to light. This includes researchers, clinicians, Medical Affairs specialists, and the often-unsung publications managers whose strategic planning and attention to detail ensure evidence doesn’t just exist—it reaches the people who need it most.

This month, as we spotlight the evolving landscape of skin cancer prevention and treatment, it’s worth taking a moment to recognise the essential role of these teams in making scientific progress visible, accessible, and actionable.

In the skin cancer space, your work helps to:

• Advance the dissemination of research findings, from breakthrough trial results to important sub-analyses that inform treatment in specific populations.
• Maximise the impact of evidence generation, ensuring that every data point contributes meaningfully to the scientific conversation.
• Amplify preventive messages, such as the importance of regular skin checks, sun protection, and public awareness.
• Strategically plan around awareness campaigns, aligning publication and communications timelines with external opportunities such as Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
• Advocate for evidence-based change, helping stakeholders understand why new therapies matter, and how they can be integrated into real-world practice.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month offers a clear call to action: to not only advance the science but also to ensure that it reaches the people and systems that can act on it.

So, what’s your plan for Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

Whether you're already working on a publication, planning a communications push, or just getting started, now is the time to amplify your impact.

If this feature has sparked an idea, or if your team could use support in bringing a plan to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Spotlight on the Blog

Feature Article: Skin Cancer Awareness Is Higher than Ever —So Why Are Tanning Beds and Sunbathing Still a Thing?

As skin cancer rates continue to climb, public awareness has never been higher, but risky behaviours like tanning bed use and unprotected sun exposure remain alarmingly common. This month’s feature article explores the science, psychology, and shifting cultural norms behind tanning and highlights the need for transforming awareness into action. Find out why people won’t give up their tan – Read the feature.

Notable News & Industry Roundup

• A new study published in Cancer Research suggests that the severity of prostate cancer could be identified through a simple urine test. Researchers found that analysing specific biomarkers in urine can not only detect the presence of prostate cancer but also indicate its severity. Unlike the current PSA blood test, this method is non-invasive and painless, offering a promising alternative for early detection and monitoring. [Link]
• The WHO has released its first global guidelines for meningitis diagnosis, treatment, and care, aiming to improve early detection, ensure timely treatment, and reduce long-term disability. The guidelines are a key step towards the 2030 goal of defeating meningitis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden remains highest. [Link]
• The first drug to slow non-relapsing MS progression is on the horizon, as a phase 3 trial shows that tolebrutinib may reduce the risk of disability progression in patients with nonrelapsing secondary progressive MS. The oral treatment reduced neuroinflammation and the risk of sustained deterioration, marking a promising step forward for patients with limited treatment options. [Link]
• The FDA has approved the Teal Wand™, the first at-home self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in the U.S. Designed for comfort and accuracy, the Teal Wand™ allows women to collect a sample from home and send it to a certified lab, offering a science-backed, telehealth-supported alternative to in-clinic exams. [Link]