Sunscreen and Scars is our theme for May since it is melanoma awareness month. The first thing you need to be aware of is the changing of a mole. Brush up on the melanoma ABC chart. Asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution. If you see a mole changing, visit your doctor for an evaluation. Melanoma has been increasing in numbers for the past 30 years.
ABC Chart
It’s funny how some things become important to you. I never really thought about melanoma before. I probably didn’t even really know what it was until a few years ago. But within the last few years, it has touched too close to home.
I cannot tell you the amount of friends I have that have either been diagnosed with melanoma or with pre-cancer. A good friend of mine lost her husband and my mother in law fought this battle. Also, my blog partner and forever friend recently found several precancerous cells (actinic keratosis) that could have potentially turned into squamous cell carcinoma. To be proactive she opted for a topical chemotherapy. She said instead of several zaps, ‘it burned for a solid 45 minutes after application, twice a day for three days.’ And even me. I had a biopsy a few months ago that detected moderate atypical cells so I had to have more of the area taken out. I have a quarter size scar now on my leg. The leg is one of the most common areas women get skin cancer.
I don’t really care about the scar. We all have scars, some of them can be seen but others can’t. I have those too. So we forge ahead and we do better and find JOY to aid our sufferings. Why is that so darn hard sometimes?!
“It burned for a solid 45 minutes after application, twice a day for three days” -Sherry Lee
There are several causes of melanoma. To see a current list, view here.
Sunscreen = Prevention
One way to prevent skin cancer is to take time to wear your sunscreen. Our top pick is SunBum. Yes, it’s expensive compared to some brands. But Ulta runs a buy one, get one 50% off sale quite often, so we stock up. It’s a clean sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white film on your skin like some natural brands do and it doesn’t have the chemical compounds that some brands have. Yes they are cheaper and that’s probably one reason why. However, not all ‘good’ sunscreen is expensive. Read your labels. Help out the environment. I try. I don’t always do my best, but every little bit counts. And as a benefit, you can help ward off wrinkles! To all you young people out there, heed my warning and wear it now! It will help.
Besides wearing sunscreen, make sure you are receiving an annual screening. This is the best way to stay on top of your health. And DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS! Spread the word and wear sunscreen to avoid the scars.
Important Tips from the American Cancer Society
Take these steps to stay sun-safe:
Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher: Reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
American Cancer Society