May is Melanoma Month and living in Queensland where we have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, it is an important reminder to book a skin check and understand the facts.
I received an email from Solbari Sun Protection, a website and products I subscribe to. In their email they included this infograph below showing the Facts About Melanoma with links to more information.
Recently, our neighbour who has had a history of melanomas, discovered that some had actually spread to internal organs. I had no idea that this could happen but it was a wake up call for us to have someone we know diagnosed. He had surgery on the intestine which was successful. The prognosis on the melanoma on the kidney with no treatment would give him 8 – 9 months to live or he could take up the option of Immunotherapy for a twelve month treatment period. He opted obviously for the treatment and within three months the melanoma has shrunk to a pin head and now instead of months to live he is looking at another 10 years. (Fingers crossed).
This is a positive story but we shouldn’t be complacent and think it won’t happen to us.
Melanoma signs and symptoms
Information provided on the Cancer Council of Australia website states that often melanoma has no symptoms, however, the first sign is generally a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new spot. These changes can include:
- colour – a mole may change in colour, have different colour shades or become blotchy
- size – a mole may appear to get bigger
- shape – a mole may have an irregular shape, may increase in height or not be symmetrical
- elevation – the mole may develop a raised area
- itching or bleeding
Other symptoms include dark areas under nails or on membranes lining the mouth, vagina or anus.
New moles and spots will appear and change during childhood, adolescence and during pregnancy and this is normal. However, adults who develop new spots or moles should have them examined by their doctor.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide – do you do this?
Take a moment to watch this video which is part of the Cancer Council of Australia’s campaign to educate and promote awareness.
Protect your skin with Fashion and Sunscreen
I remember growing up pouring baby oil on my obviously fair skin to try and get a golden tan. The result for me was looking like a lobster rather than a golden tan. If only we had known then what we know now!
I am now ensure I wear my hat and applying 50+ Sunscreen. In these photos, I’m wearing the Breton Hat from Fella Hamilton which comes in a multitude of colours. Every purchase of this hat goes towards cancer research and services. Cancer Council UPF50+ hats offer excellent protection, reducing your risk of skin cancer and signs of premature ageing.
I’m also wearing The Cindy UPF 1/4 Zip Long sleeve Top is made from a polyamide and spandex blend with good stretch and is super comfy to wear. It’s also got UPF50+ protection. Also from Fella Hamilton.
Mike is wearing a hat from Hats by the 100.
Of course sunglasses are a must.
It’s never too late and thank goodness our grandchildren are learning at a young age to take care of their skin, wear a hat, sunscreen and a rashie!
When was your last skin check? Have you ever had one? Perhaps it’s time to book an appointment.
Resources: Cancer Council of Australia
12 Comments
Thanks for this important reminder, Sue. Like you, my sisters and I slathered on the baby oil and laid out in the sun. My sister ended up with melanoma that spread to her lymph nodes…luckily it did not get to her organs before they discovered and treated it with radiation and interferon. Treatment was not fun, but years later she is healthy and thriving. I now use sun screen and sometime hats and I get regular skin checks. So far so good.
Oh Christie, I’m so pleased your sister is okay as unfortunately for some they aren’t as fortunate. x
Thank you for this very timely and important reminder, Sue!
I’m sure even in Canada during Summer especially you need to be mindful of being in the sun for too long. x
I’m going next week for my yearly check! I slather on the spf and wear hats even in winter and on rainy days when most people think they’re OK.
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Good for you, Marsha! We need to have all of these tests as we age but it is totally worth it. x
A very very important reminder to everyone wherever they live in the world.
I grew up in the UK and don’t feel I had a lot of sun exposure but I seem to have a disposition to melanomas!
Regular skin checks can save lives – it isn’t ’just skin cancer’ – it’s cancer and can be very serious if it spreads throughout the body.
Hi Janine, it is surprising that even in cooler climes we need to be mindful of the sun. x
I had a skin check a year ago and was surprised when the dermatologist gave me a green light. I have a couple of places that I would have sworn were at least worrisome. I probably should go back again and have them check now a year later. Thank you for this useful information. I like both of your hats. And I think it’s genius the way they’re building sun protection or UV protection into clothing these days. I imagine El Paso is right up there with Australia in numbers of skin cancer patients. I’m thankful your neighbor is receiving treatment and has a new lease on life.
Shared your blog and podcasts with some of the Aussie ladies I met on the cruise! Hope you will soon have some new friends and followers.
Well that was good news for you Leslie. I had the same thing last year. I thought I would have a couple of spots that needed attention but received an all clear. That’s a good thing though! Thanks for sharing my blog around. You are lovely x
Great reminders and useful information Sue, we have to take care of our skin with regular checks. Thanks for keeping us on track!
I’m pretty slack when it comes to skin checks, Deb but I’ve had one recently and will make it a priority each year. x