According to many reports, Melanoma is on the rise.
You're doubting me?
Today, since 10:00 am, I have learned of 3 cases of melanoma.
First: As you all know, I am leaving my current job next Friday to go work at the local VA. I have been training my new co-worker to replace me and she admitted today (without knowing about me! All she saw was a melanoma coffee cup!) that she had stage I Melanoma. (My response: "And you still tan?" That's a post for another day.) She goes back once a year for follow-up appointments.
Second: I received an email from my previous (awesome) boss informing me that her 18 year-old son was diagnosed with melanoma. The are being referred to a surgeon for a wide excision and lymph node biopsy.
Third: A patient called today to cancel an appointment. His wife said, "Honey, he had some areas come back as skin cancer, melanoma, and he has to have surgery."
All 3 things happened today.
Don't tell me that melanoma shouldn't be a major concern of ours. It's happening to people of all ages. Remember, it was only a year and a half ago when I thought melanoma was an old white man disease. Now, it isn't.
It's happening to the golfer, the college freshman, the mother of 3, the lawyer, the party girl, and the reverend.
Help me put a stop to it.
Educate yourself, encourage your friends to stop tanning, insist on having that mole removed.
