May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

I'm Natalie, the owner and founder of For Loving You. Skin Cancer Awareness is an issue extremely personal to me, and one that I often struggle to speak about; however, I feel it is extremely important to share this message, raise awareness and share my story.

In January 2020, I visited a dermatologist as I was suffering with eczema on my legs. Whilst there, I asked the doctor to check some moles on my back (something my mum is always pestering me to do- thanks mum!). The doctor found an irregular mole and set if off for a biopsy. I want to reiterate that this mole caused me no pain or discomfort; I didn't even know it was there! The biopsy came back to say I had a melanoma with superficial spreading (it had spread on top of my skin) and I am so grateful everyday that is had not spread underneath. A surgeon then removed more skin from around the surface and it was all completely removed. Now, I go for regular mole mapping checks to check the health of my moles on a regular basis. 

I have to be honest. I had been on sunbeds before, sat in the sun and sunbathed but I want to point out that this was not regular for me. I maybe did this a few times a year. I want to highlight how important it is to be vigilant over the health of your skin, as this came as a complete shock to me. You can watch my video to hear more about it here:

The rest of this article highlights more about skin cancer awareness and how to protect yourselves in the sun. I hope you find it useful.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and educating people on how to prevent it. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million new cases diagnosed each year. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.

Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, causing them to grow abnormally and form cancerous tumors. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, and they are usually not life-threatening if caught early. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most deadly form of skin cancer, and it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.

The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

1. Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when it's cloudy outside. Be sure to reapply every two hours if you're outside for an extended period of time.

2. Seek shade: Try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

3. Cover up: Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

4. Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Get regular skin exams: Schedule yearly skin exams with a dermatologist to check for any suspicious moles or growths.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. By taking simple steps to prevent skin cancer, you can reduce your risk of developing this deadly disease. So, make sure to spread awareness and educate others about the importance of sun safety this May and beyond.