This post is sponsored by University Health.
Summertime means lots of time in the sun. As a kid, I always loved laying out at the neighborhood pool. My fair-skin would typically burn, and I would often be frustrated that I couldn’t tan like my olive-skinned Italian brother and cousins. I don’t recall using much sunscreen and occasionally went to the tanning beds for special occasions. As a child and young adult, I had several “suspicious” moles removed and biopsied and never really thought much about it.
Two summers ago, while at the pool with my kids, I noticed some new moles on my ankle and feet that stood out to me. I decided to get them checked as I hadn’t been to the dermatologist in several years. She gave me a full skin check and biopsied them. I left thinking that it would be like all the other times just done out of precaution.
A week later, the dermatologist called me herself and asked if I had time to chat. I was actually running out the door to a baseball game and laughed saying “when does a mom ever have time to chat”. Her voice became more serious and told me, “You really need to stop what you’re doing, sit down and listen to me for a bit.”
She explained that the results of my biopsy had come back, and the mole on my ankle was melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread to lymph nodes and organs. She mentioned that I would need to get this removed as soon as possible and they would rearrange their surgery schedule to fit me in very soon.
A few weeks later, I was scheduled for outpatient surgery to remove the mole, the tissue around it and below to make sure all the cancer cells were gone. Thankfully, those biospy results came back that the cancer hadn’t spread deeper into the skin and it was a very early stage of melanoma, so no further treatment was needed.
I was, however, left with a big open hole on my ankle that made it difficult to walk for several weeks and now a scar that reminds me to wear my sunscreen, find shade whenever possible during the summer and get my skin checks every six months! These checks include a full body check including feeling all of my lymph nodes to make sure no tumors are present.
I’m sharing my melanoma story to help others prevent skin cancer in their families. Our partners at University Health are sharing their tips for skin cancer prevention.
Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 are preferred. Apply generously and reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade to reduce direct sun exposure.
Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up with lightweight and tightly woven clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that provide UV protection to shield your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can intensify sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Be Mindful of Reflective Surfaces
Water, sand, snow, and even concrete can reflect and intensify the sun’s rays. Be extra cautious when near these surfaces, and apply sunscreen even if you’re not directly under the sun.
Get a Yearly Skin Check from a Dermatologist
Early detection of skin cancer is key! The best way to do that is with a yearly skin check at a dermatologist. University Health Dermatology welcomes new patients. For a list of services and providers please visit uhkc.org/kcmom/derm.
