Dear 16-Year-Old Me | Skin Cancer Awareness

Ali, thank you so much for sharing this us. We all need to be reminded about this and to take it seriously. I watched the video when I saw your mention of it yesterday and thought how amazing they all were. The stories and the words were powerful. Good for you Ali taking care of yourself and I'm sure spreading this knowledge to your kids.

Thank you so much for sharing this! Although I am the fair-skinned red head who has had more than a few bad sunburns, it's my darling husband who is dealing with skin cancers. Most have come back fine-a few required more invasive surgery. Thankfully, he keeps track of his care and sees his physician regularly. Great message.
Prayers for your continued good reports...blessings, Sharon

I am also a survivor of melanoma and am so thankful you are spreading the news to others. I did not "fit" into the ususal categories of being fairhaired and such. It can happen to anyone. Thanks again for sharing your story and helping to educated others!

Wow. That was a powerful video. I do a good job of keeping my kids protected. But this summer, I'll take better care of my own skin. Thank you for sharing and know that this has inspired at least one person to make a change. It's on my facebook wall now, too.

Thanks for bringing awareness to the issue Ali. I lost my sister to Melanoma in 1997 and miss her dearly to this day. I too go to the dermatologist (used to be yearly and I have graduated to every other year) for checkups. Prevention is most important and it is imperative to moderate time in the sun without protective clothing (my derm told me that the spf in sun tan lotions only protects the outer layer). Thanks again for sharing your own story.....and continue to be healthy!

Yes, be aware, but also push for diagnosis. My DH had a growth at the side of his nose next to his eye that I insisted that he have checked out. Our GP said that it was nothing to worry about, but I kept insisting that it didn't look right and I wanted a Dermatologist to see it. The Dermatologist said that there was "absolutely no cause for concern" but he could remove it and send it in for diagnosis. Well guess what...basal cell carcinoma. Not the deadly melanoma, but still a procedure that required a plastic surgeon and regular check ups for the rest of his life. He was fortunate. Don't put off ANY questionable growth. PUSH for answers no matter what you are told. Sometimes we just know that something is not right. Fight for yourself and the ones you love.

I shared this movie on my FB page recently. I too was diagnosed with melanoma when I was pregnant. I was 8 months along, and fortunately it was in-situ. Just had my bi-annual, six month skin check last week. Much to be thankful for!

Thank you, Ali.

I'm calling for a body check for my husband and myself right now - it's been over a year and I won't put it off another day.

Ali:
When you blogged about your moles a couple of years ago... It prompted me to get a check up of a mole that changed shape and size (on my face). It ended up being fine... but I am glad that I did get checked and have a piece of mind now.

Thanks for the video, a new piece of information is that if you have over 50 moles that you are at greater risk... DIDN'T know that My husband and teenager have more than 50 big dark ones, I am going to make an appointment for them today!!

Ali, so ironic that you posted this today as today marks the one year anniversary of a dear friend of mine that passed away from melanoma. Thank you so much for posting this and I hope EVERYONE sincerely takes this to heart. Peace and blessings to you and your family!!

Ali, I have been meaning to do this for our whole family!
thanks for the reminder!!! I have sooooooo MANY moles that need to be checked! thanks Ali!
tara

Great information! My Daughter has had one mole removed. She has numerous moles and we all, including her doctor, keep a careful eye on them.

Same thing with breast lumps. She had one at age 15 and she told me (for which I am so thankful!). She saw the doctor right away and was in the Breast Center for a mammogram and ultrasound the next day. It was benign but better safe than sorry. We just lost a girlfriend of hers at age 25 from Breast cancer. She didn't have careful doctors. Such a travesty!

Ali, thank you do much for repaying this video. Such a powerful message that EVERYONE needs to hear.

Hi Ali.
Thanks much for this post. A timely reminder for us all. I was was wondering if you could share which sunblocks your family uses, and also what age a child should see a derm. (I have two outdoorsy boys, 5 & 7). I'm doing my own research on both topics, but with your experience, I'd be grateful for a response.
thanks,
Cortney

Thank you Ali (and Becky) for this. It's so powerful and it's so important.

My fair family (all of my siblings have strawberry blond hair) still live in the mountains (except for my sister who lives here, too). Happily, all of us are friends with our skin doctors. We too, like your father, have had the non-melanoma issues. However, a cousin has had melanoma and -- because of diligence -- caught it early thank goodness. However, I worry all of the time because of the sun damage I've had -- do to a very bad sunburn before 18 (accidental, while skiing).

To anyone reading/watching, please stay on top of this important aspect of your health. And, HUGS!

wow!!! awesome message. i have had 2 cancerous moles removed from my back. so very important to use sunscreen and stay out of those tanning beds!!

Ali - thanks for this. I am making my appt right now. I had melanoma in situ also removed last year. I just hate the full body scan (hate my body) so I was delaying scheduling this last check up that was to be this month. This is what I needed - especially reading Julie's story.

I think I have cried more this weekend/early week than ever before. I should have know before I pushed the play button ... but it's super important. I think about your Y/T page you shared all the time ... I don't have moles, but I know those who do and who have skin cancer ... and it's scary. Thank you for the reminder.

Thank you for posting this, Ali. I read Julie's story on the link, and it was very sobering. I never would have thought that skin cancer could spread to your internal organs, but then again, technically, skin is an "organ" so it does make some sense. My BF and I both have a lot of moles, and we do keep an eye on them, especially with the huge amount of sun we get here in AZ. I haven't been "tan" for many years now; I might look funny being so pale, but I know my skin (and my health) will thank me for it later!

Sigh - big hug, A. Thank you for continuing to honor Julie's legacy by sharing her story.

That video is great! I had not seen it before. I will definitely be sharing...