Just for the heck of it, I put little red dots on this body map to represent where I’ve had some of my basal cell carcinomas and my melanoma removed. Can anyone decipher the code? I thought about drawing lines from each dot to the next to see if there were any subliminal messages like, “Go Hokies!” or “I Run,” but didn’t see any. Looks more like a case of the measles to me!
Connect the dots
In connecting the dots of how skin cancer happens, the sun damages the skin and causes the cells of the epidermis to mutate, divide, and multiply rapidly. Those mutated cells can form several different types of tumors, or skin cancers.
Early detection is key to having a successful outcome with skin cancer. Last week I talked about what to expect at a full body skin check. In addition to seeing your doctor regularly, it’s a good idea to thoroughly check yourself monthly. The Melanoma Research Foundation has the #GetNaked campaign which reminds us to do just that… get naked, grab a mirror, and carefully inspect every square inch of your skin.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but those prone to sunburns are most susceptible, and I am that poster child. I have fair skin, have mostly blue eyes, and have always had light hair (red as a young child), so I absolutely need to check my skin regularly. Please don’t assume that because you have darker skin, you don’t need to worry about skin cancer. Like I said, anyone can get it.
- Questions:
- Are you prone to getting sunburns?
- Do your hobbies and favorite activities keep you out in the sun?
- What are your sun protection tips?
As promised in This May, Please Learn From My Mistakes, look for these other articles on Deb Runs during the month of May:
- Confessions Of A Tanning Goddess
- That Odd Looking Spot Sure Doesn’t Look Like Melanoma
- What To Expect At Your Full Body Check: A Visit With Dr. Ha
- Tips For Running Safely In The Sun
- Sunscreen Surprise
- Alternatives To Tanning
- 2014 TKO Melanoma 5K Race Recap
I had a full body check the other night, but it was for ticks instead of spots. LOL
I like your connect the dots idea.
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Face The Music Friday #35
Ugh, ticks! So scary with deer ticks and Lyme Disease. Stay safe!
Wow- you’ve had a ton of spots removed. It does look like chicken pox!!
At the Ironman Coeur d’Alene expo last year they had a dermatologist there doing free skin checks! I thought it was such a great idea considering so many athletes are out in the sun for hours on end with lots of skin exposed.
Abby recently posted…Long weekend & more mountain biking
That is the best idea ever! I’m going to suggest that as an idea to the race director of the TKO Melanoma 5K for next year! Thank you!
Wow I didn’t realize how many basal cell carcinomas you’ve had removed. It does look like the measles, or chicken pox, or something. I’m not prone to sunburns, but I’ve found that the older I get the more sensitive my skin is. I have to be more diligent about reapplying sunscreen often while outside (especially at the beach!)
Luckily, I can count the number of sunburns I’ve had in my life on one hand. I’m planning to invest in some active/water proof spray on sunscreen to use while out running.
Meagan recently posted…Weekend Long Run: Brush Mountain Breakdown
Good girl! Keep spraying! 🙂
I’m glad you take such good care of your skin – that’s a lot of spots!
I burn when I’m out in the AZ sun and don’t put on enough sunscreen. We try to be good about that around here…
[email protected] recently posted…Week in Review ~ Prayers Needed
I do now, but I sure didn’t when I was younger! Glad you’re careful in that Arizona sun!
Wow, that’s a racerback tank in the negative space, alright. As an Aussie, I am militant about sunscreen. Even when it’s not sunny out I cover my son and myself before we head outside. My mum grew up in the 60’s in a beach city and baked herself and has had carcinomas removed as well. We’re lucky to have more info and resources for skin cancer prevention now.
Carly @ Fine Fit Day recently posted…Fit Mama Friday – Meet Marina G
Your mom and I are probably similar in age and you’re right, we just didn’t have the information and resources available when we were little. I; however, continued to bake in the sun after I learned about sunscreen and skin cancer with an, “It won’t happen to me attitude.” Ah, the naiveness (or stupidity) of youth!
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[…] Connecting The Dots Just for the heck of it, I put little red dots on this body map to represent where I’ve had some of my basal cell carcinomas and my melanoma removed. In connecting the dots of how skin cancer happens, the sun damages the skin and causes the cells of the epidermis to mutate, divide, and multiply rapidly. Those mutated cells can form several different types of tumors, or skin cancers. […]
[…] Connecting The Dots […]
[…] Connecting The Dots […]