Treatment and research of melanoma alone has cost the United States 2.36 billion dollars! Let’s try to shrink that budget by heeding critical warnings. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “The UV Index provides information to help plan outdoor activities and avoid overexposure to the sun.” The AAD informs us that the index was developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, as a warning, and forecasts the amount of ultraviolet radiation expected to reach the earth’s surface on any given day. Each United States geographic area receives a rating of 1 to 11+. The higher the number, the higher the risk of damaging overexposure to UV radiation. A very minimal explanation of how the chart works, according to www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index-scale, follows. 0 to 2, LOW: Low danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person. 3 to 5, MODERATE: Be alert to a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. 6 to 7, HIGH: A high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure; protection against skin and eye damage is very much needed. 8 to 10, VERY HIGH: With this Very High reading, extra precautions must be taken to protect skin and eyes from being damaged from a quick burn. 11 or More, EXTREME: An Extreme reading means unprotected skin and eyes can burn in only minutes.
The same website cautions us with another warning to be heeded, known as the SHADOW RULE. “If your shadow is taller than you are [early A.M. and late P.M.], your UV exposure is likely to be lower. If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.”
Four Sun City ladies would like you to know about their skin cancer history, and what they are doing to prevent further occurrences. Let’s listen to their stories.
Anne Broderick, a retired nurse, tells us, “I had an area on my nose that did not heal, so I went to a dermatologist. I have since had many lesions removed over the past 30 years. I see my doctor every three to six months; this will be a lifetime concern. Most of my lesions were basal cell [see Part 2]. I have had two squamous cell lesions: one on my arm and one on my forehead. All the cancer was removed surgically. In the last six years, they were removed by MOHS procedures [maximum cancerous tissue removed / minimum healthy skin removed for less scarring possibility]. I continue to be followed by my doctor every three months.”
Joan Souchek, a retired secretary, informs us, “My skin cancers were discovered by my dermatologist over several years. I have had multiple skin cancers, mainly on my legs, which have been surgically removed. These have been squamous cell carcinoma [see Part 2], and a recent one required 17 stitches. Also I had a MOHS procedure on my nose, requiring 12 stitches about five years ago, also squamous cell carcinoma. It looked only like a small pimple. I visit the dermatologist every six months.” Joan continues by telling us of her youth being spent by a pool or a lake. She adds that she has been playing golf for years. “With continued swimming, my skin is in terrible condition, even with the use of special skin creams. It is very important for everyone to see a dermatologist on a regular basis to determine if there is any skin cancer and to continue required treatment.”
Audrey Olsen, a former high school teacher, continues, “My skin cancer, melanoma stage 2 [see Part 2], was found by accident. I had another skin problem on my hands and legs, and went to three to four dermatologists before I decided to call up Mayo Clinic for a referral. When I went to that dermatologist, she was the only one who wanted to do a total skin exam, where the others just checked my problem areas. She found two to three suspicious moles and did biopsies on them. I was shocked to hear that I had cancer, the worst kind. I went to a specialist who only removes skin cancer and had surgery that was deep and expansive. It was on the back of my thigh which I never checked [or could see]. That was in 1999, and since then, I have been cancer-free. I do go to that dermatologist every six months for a total skin exam. I now wear big hats and stay out of the sun as much as possible.”
Joanie Koplos, retired elementary school teacher, finalizes with her own testimonial. I recently had a second squamous cell skin cancer removed from my face. This was my WAKE-UP CALL! As a youth and throughout my life, I spent countless hours, months, and years of intense unprotected sun-worshipping! Daily swimming outdoors and exercising in the summer, and in the winter while on warm-weather and snow-ski vacations, had put me in a position to continue hurting my skin. (I also have Macular Degeneration, which I have been told by my optometrist could have been largely caused by UV overexposure). My research completed for this Skin Cancer series has taught me the foolishness of my past behavior. I hope that my three articles have become for many of you, YOUR WAKE-UP CALL!
