Do not let your economic status affect your care for
Melanoma treatment. Please refer to this article for more information,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082201251.html
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
"Stay out of the sun, and put the protectives on."
Another recent article on skin cancer, click here to link:http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/9318502.html
Friday, August 17, 2007
I have joined the SunSavvy Geek Club!
Where is Danielle when you need her? I too have now gone over the edge and joined the SunSavvy Geek Club!
Two of my sisters from Chicago and three nieces came to visit. They have not been here for a few years and have a very nice RV. They stayed at a camp resort in Falmouth, Ma. not too far from my home. The camp resort had a couple of nice pools and a pond. Another sister who lives locally with 2 of her children and I planned to visit them at the campsite. We had planned to visit with them and stay for a cookout. (a cookout is the East Coast word for Bar-Ba-Que)
I spent the early afternoon watching them all swim and play in the pool, and after a few moments I realized...I did not see either of my sister 's apply ANY lotion to any of the kids! Five children under the age of 16 (my three nieces from out of state and two others from here) were jumping in an out of the pool and NONE had any sunscreen.
My first response was "Do you want to end up with cancer like your Uncle Kevin?". They looked at me like I had two heads. "Where is the sunscreen?". At this point I really didn't care if it was one of the best protecting or not, as something was better than nothing. I got there about 3 pm and had them apply sunscreen, however they had been in the pool for some time before I arrived. Clearly sun protection was not forefront on their minds. Later at dinner I explained how important it is to protect the skin you are in. I thought I had made my point.
Clearly I failed...as today we went to a beach, again around 3 pm, and again all 5 children are out running on the beach, looking for shells, and NO ONE had applied sunscreen. One of my sisters from Chicago; the mother of the three girls is very fair, burns like crazy and has a thousand moles, PLUS she is blue eyed! I ask her ..."do you use sun lotion on a regular basis?" Her response was .."sometimes". SOMETIMES!!!! I then went on a SunSavvy tirade!
What will it take to change a culture to realize the sun is the enemy of our largest organ..... our skin!!! I did not know when I was growing up the dangers of over exposure to the sun. I knew the dangers of smoking cigarettes, but the sun was my friend at that time. We know better now, the sun is the "smoking gun" cigarettes used to be in the 70's. We know better now, but how do we change the culture! Tans and sunning bred fertile feeding grounds for Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer!
We need to help young people realize that NOT tanning is "IN". Not tanning will keep your good looks and have less wrinkles longer into life. We need to find a way to encourage these actions! Maybe we need to start a campaign...."Invest in your future, spend more now on sunscreen, less for plastic surgery in the future". Pale is in, tanning it out. What ever the answer is we need to stop letting young people succumb to this deadly disease so easily and without a fight. Fight back now, use sunscreen and protect the skin you are in!!!
Two of my sisters from Chicago and three nieces came to visit. They have not been here for a few years and have a very nice RV. They stayed at a camp resort in Falmouth, Ma. not too far from my home. The camp resort had a couple of nice pools and a pond. Another sister who lives locally with 2 of her children and I planned to visit them at the campsite. We had planned to visit with them and stay for a cookout. (a cookout is the East Coast word for Bar-Ba-Que)
I spent the early afternoon watching them all swim and play in the pool, and after a few moments I realized...I did not see either of my sister 's apply ANY lotion to any of the kids! Five children under the age of 16 (my three nieces from out of state and two others from here) were jumping in an out of the pool and NONE had any sunscreen.
My first response was "Do you want to end up with cancer like your Uncle Kevin?". They looked at me like I had two heads. "Where is the sunscreen?". At this point I really didn't care if it was one of the best protecting or not, as something was better than nothing. I got there about 3 pm and had them apply sunscreen, however they had been in the pool for some time before I arrived. Clearly sun protection was not forefront on their minds. Later at dinner I explained how important it is to protect the skin you are in. I thought I had made my point.
Clearly I failed...as today we went to a beach, again around 3 pm, and again all 5 children are out running on the beach, looking for shells, and NO ONE had applied sunscreen. One of my sisters from Chicago; the mother of the three girls is very fair, burns like crazy and has a thousand moles, PLUS she is blue eyed! I ask her ..."do you use sun lotion on a regular basis?" Her response was .."sometimes". SOMETIMES!!!! I then went on a SunSavvy tirade!
What will it take to change a culture to realize the sun is the enemy of our largest organ..... our skin!!! I did not know when I was growing up the dangers of over exposure to the sun. I knew the dangers of smoking cigarettes, but the sun was my friend at that time. We know better now, the sun is the "smoking gun" cigarettes used to be in the 70's. We know better now, but how do we change the culture! Tans and sunning bred fertile feeding grounds for Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer!
We need to help young people realize that NOT tanning is "IN". Not tanning will keep your good looks and have less wrinkles longer into life. We need to find a way to encourage these actions! Maybe we need to start a campaign...."Invest in your future, spend more now on sunscreen, less for plastic surgery in the future". Pale is in, tanning it out. What ever the answer is we need to stop letting young people succumb to this deadly disease so easily and without a fight. Fight back now, use sunscreen and protect the skin you are in!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
ABC's NewsWatch 20/20 SPF Myths
This is a very informative video which discusses the truths and myths associated with SPF, sun protection factors, which sunscreens offer the best protection and why. It is definitely worth checking out. Click here to watch video.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
If you were told you had Melanoma would you know where to begin?
If you were told today you had Melanoma would you know what to do next, where to go, what doctors to see or how to get a second opinion? I have made many posts sharing some stories, or providing protection tips. I would now like to help point you in the right direction to obtain the best team of doctors you can to fight this deadly disease. Yes, it takes a team, and you are part of the team when you become diagnosed with Melanoma. The best teams include a surgeon, a medical oncologist, a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon and a radiation oncologist and you, the educated patient. In early stages you may only need the first three I have listed (plus yourself of course! ). The more advanced the stage of Melanoma, the bigger the team usually gets.
All team members help make the best decisions for the treatment, and a well armed team member is an educated team member. When my husband was told he had melanoma he turned to me and asked.."what next". Being a registered nurse I knew where we needed to go and how to get the information. If you are comfortable with you doctor you may not need or want a second opinion, but that is always a first option.
The next step is generally to find a good cancer center. The benefit of a cancer center is they frequently have several specialists who work as a "team". If you do not know of a cancer center you can call The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. They can direct you to a nearby cancer center.
Another option is to contact a nearby hospital, preferably a medical school and ask for a list of names of specialists.
After being provided with names, go to the Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists. This directory lists the doctors names, along with their speciality and educational background. Board certified doctors have more training and education in their speciality and have passed an examination given by their speciality board. You can locate this directory in most public libraries. The American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS) also offers information via the telephone an Internet. The toll free number is 1-866-ASK-ABMS. Their Internet address is: http://www.abms.org/
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Facing skin cancer Salisbury student warns others to protect against dangerous UV rays
Many teens think they are invulnerable to all harm. It is a common misconception which has existed through the ages. . I thought the same when I was a teen. "That will never happen to me because...." That was how I thought and I can be fairly certain it is how most teens still think. What follows the words "because" varies; "because I'm careful", because I'm smarter", "because I've practiced", "because I'm different", because I'm special". Well the truth be known, you are no different than any one else and that is exactly what leaves you so vulnerable to Melanoma. Melanoma strikes anyone, of any age, creed, color and teenagers too. Yes teenagers with Melanoma is also on the rise. Pressures to always look good; image is so important to teens, sending many to tanning salons. Even if they do not go to tanning salons, many teens remain outdoors for long periods of time and do not follow proper skin protection. They tend to bare as much as possible without taking proper precautions, applying and reapplying a good sun lotion.
How do you think Dana Lowe, age 15 felt when she found out she had Melanoma; the deadliest form of skin cancer? An advid softball player spending many hours out doors practicing, and I'll wager she did not regularly apply sun lotion prior to all practices and games. Read her story, and find out how she has adjusted her lifestyle to stay safe, yet continue doing what she loves to do. Click here:http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/LIFESTYLE/708120324/1024
(Pictured above is Dana and her mother Donna Lowe)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Share Your Survival Story-Help Fight Skin Cancer!
I have previously referred to an article written by Danielle M. White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. She is also the author of the book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. This ambitious 28 year old women is now working on her second book, looking for stories to be included in a special edition of her book to be released next year. Danielle also has a very informative blog which you can check out. I have added her blog to "My Favorite Blogs" listing. Visit her blog site!
If you have a story you would like to share please read this press release for the details.
Only Skin Deep? Cancer Crusaders Seeking Stories of Hope, Survival and Inspiration
Melanoma survivors and their families are encouraged to share their stories for new book on skin cancer prevention education.
Provo, Utah (PRWEB) August 10, 2007 -- As temperatures continue to rise, so does the incidence of melanoma--across the globe. In fact, another American is succumbs to melanoma every hour according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Yet, The Cancer Crusaders Organization wants to reassure people that there is hope. Hence, the organization is asking melanoma survivors and their families to share their stories for a new book on skin cancer prevention education.
"Skin cancer incidence in the U.S., and across the globe, continues to rise at an alarming rate," says Danielle M. White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. "In fact, melanoma is killing more women ages 20-39 than any other cancer. Yet, this disease is very preventable! Prevention brings message of hope, and we want to emphasize to people, especially young adults, that while melanoma is a serious [disease] that is one the rise, it is extremely preventable--if we are proactive," White says.
The 28-year-old White, who is also the author of the book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources says that her award-winning organization is collecting stories from melanoma survivors and family members touched by melanoma to include in a special edition of her book is set to release sometime next year.
"We want to include a section in the book that features a variety of stories from individuals touched by melanoma in this next edition," White says. "In doing this, we hope to put face to this often misunderstood disease, and inspire people to be more proactive about prevention [and] to pay tribute to melanoma warriors and their legacy."
For the complete story follow this link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/8/prweb545813.htm
If you have a story you would like to share please read this press release for the details.
Only Skin Deep? Cancer Crusaders Seeking Stories of Hope, Survival and Inspiration
Melanoma survivors and their families are encouraged to share their stories for new book on skin cancer prevention education.
Provo, Utah (PRWEB) August 10, 2007 -- As temperatures continue to rise, so does the incidence of melanoma--across the globe. In fact, another American is succumbs to melanoma every hour according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Yet, The Cancer Crusaders Organization wants to reassure people that there is hope. Hence, the organization is asking melanoma survivors and their families to share their stories for a new book on skin cancer prevention education.
"Skin cancer incidence in the U.S., and across the globe, continues to rise at an alarming rate," says Danielle M. White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. "In fact, melanoma is killing more women ages 20-39 than any other cancer. Yet, this disease is very preventable! Prevention brings message of hope, and we want to emphasize to people, especially young adults, that while melanoma is a serious [disease] that is one the rise, it is extremely preventable--if we are proactive," White says.
The 28-year-old White, who is also the author of the book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources says that her award-winning organization is collecting stories from melanoma survivors and family members touched by melanoma to include in a special edition of her book is set to release sometime next year.
"We want to include a section in the book that features a variety of stories from individuals touched by melanoma in this next edition," White says. "In doing this, we hope to put face to this often misunderstood disease, and inspire people to be more proactive about prevention [and] to pay tribute to melanoma warriors and their legacy."
For the complete story follow this link: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/8/prweb545813.htm
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Did You Check Your Toes Today?
Who would have ever thought to check ones feet for evidence of skin cancer? But it seems it is very true. This simple but important health tip could save your life! Read the entire article I have copied below:
Feet are an important way to find skin cancer early
Miscellaneous News
Published: Wednesday, 8-Aug-2007
The next time you clip your toenails, take a closer look at the rest of your feet. An extra 60 seconds could save your life.
Foot and ankle surgeons say routine self examinations of the feet are an important way to find skin cancer early, when it's easiest to cure. Half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.
Nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. It's not known how many of those cases will involve the foot, but more than 8,100 melanoma patients will die? nearly one death every hour. If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, 92 percent of patients are alive after five years.
Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma strikes people of all age groups, even the young. Whites are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma than blacks. But studies suggest more than half of melanoma cases in blacks involve the foot, where late diagnosis leads to a higher death rate. Routine foot self exams increase the likelihood of noticing suspicious moles, freckles or other spots.
"The first question I'm going to ask a patient is, "How long has it been there?'" says Neil Campbell, DPM, FACFAS, a spokesman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
Foot and ankle surgeons recommend focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma: the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails. Campbell notes melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including areas that receive little sun exposure, such as the feet and ankles. If a mole, freckle or spot starts to change over the course of a month and becomes asymmetrical or changes its border, color, diameter or elevation, see a doctor immediately. Those are the ABCDEs, or signs, of melanoma.
For more information on malignant melanoma of the foot, or to find a local foot and ankle surgeon, visit the ACFAS consumer Web site, http://footphysicians.com/.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer website,
http://www.acfas.org/
Miscellaneous News
Published: Wednesday, 8-Aug-2007
The next time you clip your toenails, take a closer look at the rest of your feet. An extra 60 seconds could save your life.
Foot and ankle surgeons say routine self examinations of the feet are an important way to find skin cancer early, when it's easiest to cure. Half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.
Nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. It's not known how many of those cases will involve the foot, but more than 8,100 melanoma patients will die? nearly one death every hour. If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, 92 percent of patients are alive after five years.
Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma strikes people of all age groups, even the young. Whites are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma than blacks. But studies suggest more than half of melanoma cases in blacks involve the foot, where late diagnosis leads to a higher death rate. Routine foot self exams increase the likelihood of noticing suspicious moles, freckles or other spots.
"The first question I'm going to ask a patient is, "How long has it been there?'" says Neil Campbell, DPM, FACFAS, a spokesman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
Foot and ankle surgeons recommend focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma: the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails. Campbell notes melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including areas that receive little sun exposure, such as the feet and ankles. If a mole, freckle or spot starts to change over the course of a month and becomes asymmetrical or changes its border, color, diameter or elevation, see a doctor immediately. Those are the ABCDEs, or signs, of melanoma.
For more information on malignant melanoma of the foot, or to find a local foot and ankle surgeon, visit the ACFAS consumer Web site, http://footphysicians.com/.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer website,
http://www.acfas.org/
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Caffeine Lotion? Can it also Protect against Skin Cancers?
This is another article I found suggesting a caffeine lotion can also be helpful in protection from skin cancer. It is not as recent (2002) as previous caffeine studies which I have included in my blog, but it certainly appears valid and potentially promising. It is not suggesting using caffeine lotions instead of sun lotion, as it does not offer protect against the sun. Instead it offers protection after sun exposure by blocking the actions which lead cells to become abnormal. For the entire article which appeared in "HealthWatch" follow this link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/08/26/health/main519822.shtml
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Can Drinking Coffe Really Fight Skin Cancers?
This article appeared in the U.S. News & World Report July 30, 2007. It suggests a cup of coffee or two; combined with exercise can increase the destruction of precancerous cells which have been damaged by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. This is according to a team of researchers at Rutgers University. so far this has only been proven with mice, yet they feel strongly the human testing will result with similar findings. The testing involved 4 groups of mice, some received only caffeine, some only increased exercise, some received both exercise and caffeine, and the control group received neither. The results were amazingly high for the group receiving both caffeine and exercise. For the complete article follow the link:
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