Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and one in five Americans will develop the disease by age 70.
Melanoma is the most deadly form skin canceris expected to claim more than 8,200 lives in the United States this year.
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, two melanoma patients are sharing their stories of how they beat this aggressive disease.
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One incorrectly assumed that what she was experiencing was “just a normal part of aging and sun exposure.” Here’s what others can learn:
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigmentation (color).
Most, but not all, cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones and types.
“Melanoma is one of the most serious.” common types of cancer In younger patients,” Dr. Nayoung Lee, assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Health, told Fox News Digital.
Abby Weiner (left and right), along with her husband and sons, was diagnosed with melanoma in October 2023. (Abby Weiner)
He noted that if melanoma is detected early, the prognosis is “very good,” but if it is detected at a more advanced stage, survival rates drop sharply.
“Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream to lymph nodes and distant organs, so it’s important to detect melanoma early by having regular skin exams,” Dr. Lee said.
A mother’s story
Abby Weiner, 43, is a wife and mother of three young boys. Washington DCwas always concerned about protecting his skin from the sun. That’s why it was such a shock for her to be diagnosed with melanoma in October 2023, she said.
“I had a spot on my cheek that started out as a freckle and just got darker and bigger,” she told FOX News Digital.
“I thought it was a normal part of aging and sun exposure.”
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Weiner’s sister encouraged her to get tested, which led to a biopsy and diagnosis.
“At first I was obviously shocked and scared,” Weiner said.
Her melanoma was removed by: mohs surgerya procedure that removes thin layers of skin one at a time.
“It took two surgeries to remove the cancer and surrounding margins,” she said. “Now most people don’t even know I had surgery.”
Weiner’s advice to others is to remember to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, year-round.
“If I’m eating outdoors and there’s no table in the shade, I’ll sit in the sun.”
“When my family went to the pool or planned to go outdoors, I tried to be careful to avoid exposure to the sun by wearing hats and applying sunscreen, but when I ate outdoors, If you don’t have a table in the shade, you’ll end up sitting in the sun.”
Now, Weiner says she plans to wait a little longer at a table in the shade, and always carries a hat and sunscreen.
“My sons used to be reluctant to wear sunscreen or wear hats, but now they understand how skin cancer has affected me and are more supportive,” she says. said.
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Weiner also recommends that everyone get an annual skin exam. certified dermatologist.
“I have a lot of friends who didn’t regularly go to their dermatologist for annual skin exams until they found out about my melanoma. And even my sister, who probably saved my life.” Also.”
The story of a beach lover
Steve Murray, 68, of the greater Washington, D.C., area, has worked in the construction industry for decades.
Murray spent her childhood summers at the beach. ocean city, new jerseyand visited Florida in the winter, where he was exposed to the sun and did little to protect himself.
In the late 1990s, Murray was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that tends to occur in people who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight. I did.
In 2008 he was diagnosed with melanoma.
“My first symptoms included itching and scaling on my head, followed by irritation,” he told FOX News Digital.
“Then the mole changed color and became irregular in shape.”
“You may not realize it when you first get infected, but it will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Initially, Murray feared the worst, “mainly death,” but a dermatologist determined that the melanoma was only on her scalp and had not spread to her lymph nodes.
Like Weiner, Murray underwent Mohs surgery to remove the cancer and was successfully cured.
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Since that diagnosis, Murray has had several more bouts of skin cancer.
In 2024, he underwent two surgeries for squamous cell carcinoma in his hands and back.
Murray now visits a dermatologist every three to six months. He also always wears a hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves whenever possible to protect himself from the sun.
Abby Weiner is pictured with her three young sons. “My sons used to be reluctant to wear sunscreen or wear hats, but now they understand how skin cancer has affected me and are more supportive,” she says. said. (Abby Weiner)
Murray’s advice to others is to Sunscreen Outdoors is a priority.
“You may not notice it when you first get infected, but later on you start developing precancerous conditions and skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma that need immediate attention,” he told Fox News Digital. I will be troubled by this,” he said.
“These precancers and skin cancers need to be diagnosed early with regular check-ups,” he added. “Failure to do so could result in death.”
5 protection tips from experts
Dr. Lee New York University Langone Health We’ve shared 5 tips to prevent potentially deadly skin cancers like melanoma.
1. Avoid sunbathing
“Avoiding burns is really only half the battle. There’s no such thing as basic tanning,” Lee said. “Damaged skin is damaged skin.”
As a safer way to protect your skin from summer’s first beach tan, Lee recommends using self-tanning products.
2. Wear sunscreen every day, no matter the season or weather.
When applying sunscreen, Lee recommends using 1 ounce, which is the equivalent of a shot glass.
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“It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say ‘broad spectrum’ on the label, protecting from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays,” she says.
Reapply at least every 80 minutes. Reapply more often if you sweat or swim.
3. Use physical sunscreen
Lee says physical sunscreens contain zinc and titanium and are more effective than chemical sunscreens.
4. Learn how to self-examine your skin
“Check your skin regularly to know what’s normal and to notice any changes or new growth,” Lee advised.
“Not all melanomas look dark and scary,” the doctor says. “They can be melanotic, meaning they can be more flesh-colored or pink in color.” (St. Petersburg)
“If you notice changes in the spots, bleeding, or persistent itching, see a dermatologist.”
5. Apply ABCDE rules
Lee says this is the best way to tell if a mole or spot is cancerous.
The ABCDE rules tell you what to look for and when. examine your skin.
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A stands for asymmetry. “Non-cancerous moles are usually symmetrical,” Lee says.
B represents the boundary. The borders of cancerous spots or moles may be irregular or blurred.
ABCDE rules According to dermatologists, this is the best way to tell if a mole or spot is cancerous. (St. Petersburg)
C stands for color. “Typical moles tend to be uniform in color, usually a single brown color,” he says.
“Not all melanomas are dark and scary-looking. They can also be melanomas, which means they can be more flesh-colored or pink.”
Lee says D stands for the diameter of the spot or mole, and if it’s larger than 6 millimeters it could be a warning sign.
If the E stands for spot is evolving, it could be a cause for concern.
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Dr. Lee adds, “Melanoma can vary in appearance, so if you have a history of significant sun exposure, many atypical-looking moles, or a family or personal history of melanoma, you may It is important to see a dermatologist and get a skin exam, so that an experienced eye can look at the areas of concern.
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