UICC partner La Roche-Posay organises an innovative skin cancer awareness campaign

Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins in partnership with La Roche-Posay hosted ‘Gaming for Cause’, a 24-hour global livestream starting on 19 September that brought together a diverse community of gaming influencers, medical professionals, and content creators to share practical information about skin cancer prevention and the importance of early detection.

Notably, dermatologist Dr Daniel Sugai appeared throughout the livestream to provide expert insights on melanoma detection and skin health. These educational segments were reinforced by Ninja and other participating streamers, who integrated prevention messages into their gameplay and conversations with viewers.

“At UICC, we are delighted to join forces with La Roche-Posay and Ninja. This innovative collaboration allows us to reach vital new audiences with critical messages about skin cancer prevention and early detection. The funds raised will directly support UICC’s network of local organisations to deliver life-saving mole checks in communities around the world, making a tangible difference in reducing the burden of cancer.”
– Cary Adams, CEO of UICC

Skin cancers are the most common groups of cancers diagnosed worldwide, with more than 1.5 million new cases estimated in 2022, including non-melanoma and melanoma types. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are more common but generally less aggressive. Melanoma, while less frequent, is the most serious form due to its higher risk of spreading and becoming fatal.

When a skin cancer is detected and treated early, outcomes are generally favourable. Yet gaps remain in awareness and prevention behaviours, with studies in the US showing a low level of knowledge about risks, misperceptions about personal risk, perceived barriers to sun protection, and insufficient tailored public health campaigns.

“We are incredibly proud to launch 'Gaming for Cause' and unite the power of gaming with our dermatological expertise. This event represents a bold step forward in our Save Your Skin’ mission, allowing us to reach and educate millions about skin cancer prevention and detection.”
– Alexandra Reni-Catherine, Global General Manager, La Roche-Posay.

33-year-old Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins is one of the most influential gamers in the world, with some 19 million followers on his Twitch channel. Blevins used the livestream to share his experience of surviving melanoma twice, while playing alongside other streamers and hosting conversations about the risks of skin cancer and the importance of prevention and regular checks.

“Cancers are rising in all groups, at a much younger age. I’m not an expert by any means with this stuff, but it’s happening,” said Blevins in an interview for TechRadar. “Early prevention and detection is the one-hundred percent best method. The first melanoma was on the bottom of my foot, and the second one was on my thigh. I’ve always stared at this mole on my right thigh… it obviously always got blasted with sun exposure, and I was always like, you know… I gotta keep an eye on this one. An hour-long appointment could save your life. And it’s definitely worth it.”

The event raised a total of USD 223,301.41, and donations will be used to support free mole checks and other skin cancer prevention activities through UICC member organisations in countries across the world.