Melanoma Monday - Are you or someone you know at risk?

I was diagnosed with Melanoma in March 2004, when I was pregnant with my first child. Before that diagnosis I lived a very carefree life in the sun. I rarely wore sunblock, and when I did, it was usually a low SPF sunblock. It’s been a little over three years since I was diagnosed and treated for my Melanoma. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m alive.

After my diagnosis and subsequent treatment I immersed myself in research about Melanoma. I learned about Melanoma Monday, an annual event sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology. Melanoma Monday is typically the first Monday in May and was created to raise awareness of this potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Today, Monday, 5/7, is Melanoma Monday 2007.

I won’t suggest that you all call your dermatologists today and schedule appointments for skin cancer screenings. While that wouldn’t be a bad idea, I don’t think most people will do this. After all, you won’t be the one who has skin cancer, right? Well, maybe you don’t know that 1 in 74 people were diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in 2000 (The Melanoma Research Foundation). I don’t know what the odds are this year, but historically the odds of being diagnosed with Melanoma have unfortunately increased. We have a thinning ozone layer to thank for that. While you might not think you’re the one who will be diagnosed with Melanoma, think of friends and family members who might be at risk, mention Melanoma Monday to them, read my story, know the facts, and protect yourself. If you are interested in a skin cancer screening, many dermatologists offer free screenings to raise awareness. Click here to learn about these screenings and see if there are any offered in your area.

I miss my carefree days in the sun. The last few years I’ve dreaded Summer. There’s obviously a risk of sun exposure during the other seasons, but the risk in Summer far outweighs the others. I have two children now and I’m constantly thinking about the UV index, the time of day we go outside, and whether they’re wearing enough sunblock. It is a lot to think about, but I’ve become accustomed to thinking like this - all year long. Is it a pain? Sure it is; it’s one more thing to think about during an already busy day. But you know what? I get to think about it because I’m alive. I’m alive because I had a routine skin cancer screening. If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be here today, writing this entry. I would most likely be dead.

On this day of awareness, I am thankful that I’m here to write about my experience and I am incredibly thankful to be alive. Protection and detection are the keys to fighting Melanoma. Think about that today and please spread the word to your loved ones. Who knows? You might just save someone’s life.

catgirl1007