Tackling melanoma
It’s time to start spreading awareness about this frightening cancer.
It was National Melanoma Day on 4 August and while it’s important to have specific days to draw attention to health concerns, at FAIRLADY we think it’s essential that South Africans are sun aware every day. Towards the end of last year we showcased a poignant video entitled, ‘Dear 16-year-old me’, which highlighted the seriousness of melanoma.
I’m passionate about spreading melanoma awareness because I had my own brush with it. In January 2011, I discovered a strange looking mole on my right arm and reluctantly had it examined at a dermatologist. It turned out that my gut-feeling was spot on and I had to have it removed. My test results returned from the laboratory and I was informed that I had a melanoma. I was in shock.
After having a large chunk of skin cut from where the small melanoma was removed (5mm deep and 5mm around) by a plastic surgeon, my skin was sent for further tests to see if it had spread. The tests came back clean. I couldn’t have been more relieved! Each time I look at my scar, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have caught the melanoma in time.
This year, I have had to go to my dermatologist for quarterly checkups to be safe. In 2013, my check-ups will be reduced to twice a year and, if my moles behave themselves, I will then only have to visit the dermatologist once a year.
My advice to you?
- Visit your dermatologist and ask him or her to map out your moles.
- Stay out of the sun.
- When you are exposed to the sun, wear protection.
- STAY AWAY FROM TANNING BEDS – it may seem obvious, but I can’t stress how important this is.
What is a melanoma?
No matter what gender, race or age you are, you can get a melanoma. They are most commonly seen in ‘mole form’, particularly ones that change size, colour, become itchy or ooze. It’s a form of cancer that moves at a rapid pace and eventually spreads to all the body’s organs as it progresses.
Some tips to avoid melanomas:
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid harsh midday sun
- Invest in a trusted sunscreen with an SPF
- Go for check-ups at your dermatologist
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Comments - 3 comments
Lorainegrondein
When I was in my twenties, I discovered a mole on my left thigh had turned black and rough but did not get it checked for a few months (silly me). After having it removed and tested I had to have a large chunk of my thigh removed leaving me with a huge dent in my thigh and a 10 cm long scar. Luckily there have not been any long term effects as I also continue to have check ups annually. Don't leave any moles when you notice a change, have them checked immediately and stay out of the sun. This was a result of sunburn.Wilma Grebe
I had exact the same experience and needed a skin transplant. The whole operation and healing process was an unpleasant experience for me and I never realised how serious it was. What enfuriated me most was how ignorant people around me were (friends and family). They treated the melanoma as if it was nothing. The remarks were always,"it's only skin cancer.... and they thought that once it's cut out, it's all cleared. Once I provided them with more information they started focusing on their own skin. My sister-in-law however still ignored my warnings and tanned her skin to leather. Now she had a mole removed and is waiting for the results. I pray that it is negative. My scar is on my lower leg to remind me of what could've been.Lorraine Kruuse
I too cannot stress strongly enough that everyone should see a dermatologist at least once a year if they have any moles that are slightly different. 7 years ago I noticed a dark looking mole on my darling husband's shoulder, reluctantly I eventually managed to get him to have it checked, the result came back "malignant". He had to have a deep incision made and a lymph node (which was benign) removed, we were assured that the surrounding tissues were clear and they had got it all. Every year he had all the checks possible .... Dermatologist, oncologist, physician specialist etc including brain scans as he started experiencing short-term memory loss. In June last year the problems started and he was diagnosed with 3 metatasized tumours in the brain, the direct result of the previous melanoma and yet for 7 years, in spite of all the investigations nothing had been picked up. He eventually lost the battle in November 2012 all because of a tiny little black mark! He is deeply missed daily.