Today is the start of Melanoma Awareness Month. No, Melanoma isn’t an Italian Lounge singer. It’s cancer of the melanocytes. Melanocytes are what give you your pigment — you can get melanoma in your eye, on your skin or even inside your mouth. It’s a particularly aggressive cancer that is incredibly difficult to treat once it spreads. There’s a reason it is the most fatal form of skin cancer. It’s a fast, brutal killer.
The good news is that it is 100% curable if caught early. Get screened. If you have a mole that is black, irregular, bleeding, itching or bigger than a pencil eraser, get it checked immediately. The dermatologist, doctor or plastic surgeon will do a simple procedure and remove the mole. Then a pathologist will examine it under a microscope. That’s when you will know for sure.
Also, stay out of the sun during the peak hours between 8 and 4. If you are out, use sunscreen or better yet, cover up. Wear a hat and UV-protected sun glasses. There is no such thing as a good tan — that’s damage. And there is enough scientific evidence to suggest that tanning beds are dangerous so I can safely say it would be wise to stay out of them. I’m pale. But I’m alive.
I had melanoma 13 years ago. And I’m alive because I was aggressive about being screened. You should be, too. Learn what to look for. Have a loved one check you out.
I want you to have the chance of life I was given. Knowledge truly is power. Power that can save your life.
Learn more at melanoma.org