Melanoma Awareness Month needs to be all year
More than 76,000 will be diagnosed with Melanoma this year. More than 10,000 people in the United States will die of Melanoma.
Those are the American Cancer Society's estimates for 2016.The rates for Melanoma diagnosis and deaths have been rising for the last thirty years.
Most people think that it's just the sun that causes Melanoma but there are other risk factors that are out of your control that affects your odds of getting Melanoma: a. Family history. If a family member has had Melanoma, your chances of getting Melanoma are higher. b. Personal history. If you've had Melanoma or other skin cancers, your chances of getting Melanoma again or for the first time are higher. c. Having a chronic disease. A weakened immune system or vitamin deficiency increases your chances of getting Melanoma. d. Fair skin with blue or green eyes. e. Age. The average age of a Melanoma diagnosis is 63.
Put all these together along with sun abuse and that's why we have Melanoma Awareness Month each May. It's important to let people know how dangerous Melanoma is and that it's not just a simple skin cancer. It's important to know that if you catch Melanoma early, it's easily cured. It's also important to know that you can help prevent Melanoma by doing the right things. a. Use sunscreen. b. Wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing. c. Do a monthly body check to look for new moles. d. See your dermatologist yearly.
Today is the final day of May and that ends Melanoma Awareness Month. It doesn't mean you should stop being aware. Start June with a body check for moles. It could be lifesaving.
This is a piece from last year's final Melanoma Awareness Month day. It has some good tips and some good music.
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