Melanoma: Test Your Knowledge

Melanoma Quiz, featured in the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center's "Advances" Newsletter

1.) The majority of melanomas occur from a changing mole

2.) Melanomas always have a dark discoloration.

3.) Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is twice as strong as one with SPF 15.

4.) If a melanoma has spread to lymph nodes, the lung is the internal organ that has the higher risk of getting involved next.

5.) There are identified risk factors for developing melanoma.

6.) Melanomas are only found on skin surfaces that are exposed to the sun.

7.) Early diagnosis is important for a melanoma patient.

8.) A shave biopsy is the best approach for a skin lesion suspected of being a melanoma.

9.) Melanoma is usually curable once spread to distant sites.

10.) Clinical features of a skin lesion can help identify melanomas.

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SPF "From the Heart" Series Interview with Joan Penfold, Melanoma and Lupus Survivor

Here at SPF, we have a history with skin cancer, skin diseases and disorders. SPF was founded on finding a solution to help with the daily struggles of coping with sun exposure, including skin cancer. All the staff at SPF agrees that sharing stories, raising awareness, and engaging in dialog, is the best form of education in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, lupus, skin diseases and disorders. It allows those who deal with skin ailments to share their personal experience, offer advice, and most of all provide some comfort in knowing that you're not alone! So, we've started a new series called "From the Heart", and we're pleased to feature such a vibrant survivor of skin cancer and lupus. 

SPF Presents our new
 "From the Heart" Interview Series

Featuring Joan Penfold, - Skin Cancer & Lupus Survivor -

Joan Penfold, Skin Cancer & Lupus Survivor
www.joanandriahsreviews.com

Q: Would you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

A: I am a 50 year old Mom with 2 grown kids and a great husband (most days anyway!) We also have our 4 legged friend Freddi, a big eyed Basset. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I went with my husband to his check and knew I had an area on my back that concerned me.It had started as a regular looking mole, but had became darker, raised, changed size, looked suscpicious and started to itch.

 

Q: You are a skin cancer survivor, let’s talk about your experience. When were you diagnosed? What symptoms made you finally decide it was time to see a doctor?

A: At this point I made the decision. It was convenient, as I would be there with my husband anyway, so I set up the appointment to see the dermatologist/anesthesiologist.  Of course, when you start thinking of areas of concern, more and more come in to your mind. I recommend you start writing a diary so you have a list of the spots. I started with the dime sized area in the middle of my back, that spot was taken out and was dime sized, not round and raised. It was removed along with several other areas, I had another  small area removed from my face and left temple. From there, another appointment was made to come back a week later.  When I returned for my follow up in a week, the doctor came in the room, and sat down next to me, my heart started racing. First he said I had a basal cell carcinoma on my left temple and on my face, but that was all taken care of and nothing to worry back. Next, he got a serious look on his face, and said I had a large quarter-sized Malignant Melanoma on my back, and that was the worst kind to get. I really had to keep track of my skin, and in the meantime, they did not get all the margins. The pathologist informed me he needed to take more off. He numbed the area and removed the so-called margins and the pathologist had to look again. More skin cancer areas were removed one last time, and finally they let me know they had gotten it all.  Ahh, I breathed a sigh of relief, as my father had many skin cancers, and I recall his nose was half cut off.  I did not take care of my skin until then, but I do now!

Growing up with fair skin, sunburn and tan envy!

www.freedigitalphotos.net

I am a fair skinned person, I grew up with a sister who has a beautiful olive skin tone and tans very easily and I was always jealous of her ability to tan. Me, I had to work for one, and I that usually meant getting sunburn first. During my youth I burned quite a few times, with blisters, which doubles my chances of developing skin cancer. Not to mention, it was extremely painful! I tried my best to remember to apply sunscreen! When I was younger, it was easy to lose track of time and reapply sunblock every 20-30 minutes if my mother wasn't nearby.Today, there are methods that make this much easier, such as sun protective clothing with UPF factors that block both UVA and UVB instead of prolong the reddening of the skin, which is what sun screen does.

More than one reason to protect your skin from the sun

www.spfstore.com

When we think of sun damage and protecting ourselves, what is the first thing you think of? Most people think of protecting themselves from sunburn. We certainly pay attention when someone gives us a good pat on the back when we have a sunburn, because it hurts! That’s usually the reason why most of us even apply sun screen or wear sun protective clothing is to avoid getting a sunburn. That shouldn't be the only reason. It might not be easy to consider all the time, but the sun's UV Rays are very dangerous. They will cause damage to you and everyone around you at some point in time. It's imperative you protective yourself, and the best thing you can do is be informed.


So, what about the “other reasons” we should be thinking about when we talk about protecting our skin. We are going to talk about this in detail, therefore we decided to take this particular article in 3 parts.

Reasons to protect your skin using sun protective apparel

www.spfstore.com

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• 1 American per hour dies from skin cancer
• Unprotected exposure to UV Radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
• Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in American than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined.

Source: US EPA www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvandhealth.htm

Freckles are cute, if they are really freckles....

Freckles are cute! That’s a statement almost all of us have heard or said at some point in our lives. How much do you really know about freckles and when you should be concerned? The staff at here at The SPF Store (Sun Protective Factory) are dedicated to bringing awareness to some of the most easily overlooked signs of  skin cancer, melanoma, carcinoma, XP (Xeroderma Pigmentosum) and many other skin disorders. Having freckles does not mean you have a skin disorder, however what you think could be a freckle, might be a sign of a serious skin disorder. We’re here to help you know the difference.

Ephelides Freckles
Photo Credit Graur Codrin

Let’s start from the beginning. Freckles can be the result of having lower amounts of Melanin in the skin, which is a chemical compound that is made by our skin cells. It acts as the body’s natural defense against the sun’s harmful rays. People who have darker complexions and tan easier have a greater amount of Melanin. It actually reflects and absorbs UV Rays from the sun. Thus, if you have less melanin, you will have a lighter complexion and most likely freckles. Having freckles, is usually an inherited trait, which can also affect darker skin types as well, but is less frequent.