Check a Mole game: raising awareness of skin cancer and teaching people the ABCDE method of melanoma

As a melanoma patient, raising awareness about skin cancer is a personal mission for me. So many people do not know about the importance of prevention and early detection of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. I noticed many people glued to their smartphones, including myself. This led to the idea of utilizing this increased screen time to spread awareness. That's how the idea for the game Check-A-Mole was born—to educate people about self-skin checks in a way that fits into their daily routines.

The statistics are alarming: new melanoma cases are expected to rise by 50% globally by 2040,. To tackle this issue, we made Check-A-Mole available in seven languages, aiming to reach as many people as possible.

Check-A-Mole is a free, educational browser-based game developed by the small non-profit Spot the Dot (run by melanoma patient Marije) in close collaboration with dermatologists. The game teaches players the ABCDE method for self-checks, promoting early detection of skin cancer. You can play the game via www.spotthedot.org/game

Goals of Check-A-Mole:
- Raise Awareness: Engage people aged 18-60, encouraging them to learn about skin cancer prevention and detection.
- Promote Healthy Behavior: Advocate for monthly self-checks and annual dermatologist visits, especially when a suspicious lesion is found.
- Educational Engagement: Offer a playful way to learn the ABCDE rules for skin checks.
- Spark Conversations: Encourage discussions about skin cancer prevention and detection in social circles and the media.
- Reduce Stigma: Address misconceptions about skin cancer, emphasizing that it can affect people of all skin tones and backgrounds. The game includes options to adjust skin tone, reflecting our inclusive approach.

It's important to note that Check-A-Mole is not a diagnostic tool. The game is designed solely to raise awareness and educate. Throughout the game, we remind players that the information provided is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Players are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers for any medical concerns.

By teaching people about the importance of regular self-checks and the ABCDE method, Check-A-Mole aims to save lives by promoting early detection and raising awareness that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, skin tone, or background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWKykeNbn8E