May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Over 5 million cases are diagnosed in the US each year and skin cancer is the most common cancer. Skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer. Skin cancer is something that many people of color overlook or at least think doesn't affect them and I need you to know that that thought should be far from he truth. According to Skincancer.org, Asian American and African American melanoma (skin cancer) patients have a greater tendency than Caucasians of presenting to the doctor with advanced disease at time of diagnosis.
Being a "caramel colored" Afro-american diva, I never really worried about the sun and it's affects. I have always worn sunscreen when I planned to be out in the sun for an extended period of time during the summer and also my Mother suggested that I wear sunscreen when going skiing because the sun reflects off of the snow and you could get sunburned (bet you didn't think about that one, I didn't). Other than sunscreen, why did I need to worry about the sun and it's affects. I'm not some fair-skinned, caucasian, sun-worshipper. Well, surprise! Surprise!!!
I love getting a good pedicure--sea salt scrub paraffin wax, milk and honey, chocolate, and fish. Okay, I never had the last two, but a good pedicure makes me feel good. It was time for my mani/pedi moment. I like to trim my toenails before I go, because I like my nails a certain way--yes, I am particular. So, I started to trim my toenails and noticed a funky looking bump on my toe. I immediately ignored it thinking it was a little hang tag or mole. After about 3 weeks, I was preparing for another mani/pedi and I noticed that this same bump, not painful in anyway, was now two different colors. Now, I'm thinking. Maybe I should get this thing checked out.
I give the dermatologist a call, tell them my concerns and they refer me to a podiatrist. Why? Because the bump was on my toe and insurance would not pay for me to have a dermatologist to look at it without the podiatrist looking at it first. (It's always something with insurance). Anyway, off I go to Dr. D., my podiatrist. I'm prepared for him to just look at it and snip it off, so I can go on to work for the day. That's not what happened. Dr. D. looks at it and says, he has to schedule a day at the 'surgical-center' because insurance will not pay for him to 'snip' it off in his office. Here we go with insurance, again. Anywho, I schedule the surgery. I go in for the surgery. It took me more time to complete papers, get undressed and prepped for surgery, than it did for the actual "surgical procedure". Yes, I was awake and talking the whole time. My diagnosis, basal cell carcinoma. Yes, I had skin cancer. Because the bump was small, the doctor was able to remove all of the affected area and I was given a clean bill of health. I do have to have yearly skin checks from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet with the dermatologist. But I was blessed because I did NOT ignore what could have turned into something much bigger and badder. So for all of you out there, DO NOT IGNORE those abnormal bumps and bruises you may find on you or your children's bodies. You never what you are dealing with until you get them check out.
Prevention is the key for skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following:
- a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher everyday and for extended outdoor activity use a water-resistant sunscreen with and SPF of 30 or higher
- stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
- don't lay there and get burned
- cover up with appropriate clothing and UV blocking sunglasses
- keep the newborn babies out of the sun--sunscreens should be used on babies OVER 6 months of age
- examine your skin monthly
Do NOT ignore that ugly bump that won't go away, or that keeps changing color. Do NOT be afraid to get these things checked out by a professional. Protect that precious skin you are in.
SMOOCHES
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