Have you ever really thought about the implications about how the sun or going to the tanning salon affects your everyday life? What really comes after the glow that you are looking to get?
This blog is going to revolve around the ways in which technology influences detecting and treating Melanoma.
The reason why I want to do this for my blog is because it personally effects me. Two weeks ago, I actually had a pre-melanoma mole removed. This is the second one I've had removed in the past two years. I'm 21. My cousin passed away from Melanoma when he was 26 in 1998. Unfortunately, his was caught at stage 3 where at that point, there was no hope for recovery. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have started going to the dermatologist at such a young age. Luckily for me, doctors were able to catch mine before it got the chance to spread. Both were at a moderate stage, one down from severe which is when Melanoma begins to develop.
On my back
On my left leg
I plan to use this blog as a way to help inform the class about the dangers of tanning and the sun - how both are literally "A Tan to Die For."
My uncle, Stephen Fine, started The Melanoma Education Foundation after my cousin's passing. Its purpose is to educate students in middle and high schools about the effects from the sun. You can check it out at skincheck.org
Sorry to hear about your cousin. It sometimes takes a traumatic event like this to spur others to do more for themselves and for young people in general. it's also genetic, so you taking on the gauntlet of self-care is so important. Your moles are certainly noticeable and no doubt you'll have them checked often.
ReplyDeleteI also doubt that most people, especially those in their teens and twenties doubt they are at risk. I hope you all check out the Dr. Fine's link, even if you aren't at risk, you'll know more than you did. And you can alert friends and family who might actually be at risk.
It is incredibly scary. Now that I have had two surgeries, I dread going to the dermatologist for a visit. Since the first one was found the summer of my sophomore year of college(which was found at my very first visit), I have gone for checks 5 times, having a total of 3 biopsies performed and 2 of which came back positive. Obviously my statistics are incredibly high, so it's no wonder why I freak out before I go and why I am so passionate about this topic.
DeleteEver since my cousin has passed away, and especially since my first surgery, I have become more involved with spreading awareness about this deadly disease.