The number of skin cancer cases has increased in the United States. More than 1 million cases of basal cell or squamous cell cancer will be diagnosed annually. It is expected that in 2005, there will be 59,800 cases of melanoma diagnosed. Melanoma is the most common cancer among people 25 to 29 years old.
The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can cause substantial illness and, if untreated, can cause considerable damage and disfigurement. If detected and treated early, however, these carcinomas have a cure rate of more than 95%
Malignant melanoma causes more than 75% of all deaths from skin cancer. This disease can spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs and liver. Malignant melanoma diagnosed at an early stage usually can be cured, but melanoma diagnosed at a late stage is more likely to spread and cause death.
The ABC's of skin cancer
include any change or development in a mole or skin growth that should prompt you to see a dermatologist. These may include;
A- Asymmetry- You should notice the general look of your moles or growths, for example, if one half of the mole or growth does not match the other half.
B- Border Irregularity - If the edges of the growth are ragged, notched or blurred.
C- Color - The pigmentation of the growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance.
D- Diameter - If the width is greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), it could be an indicator of an abnormal skin growth. Generally, any new mole growth should be a concern.
Signs and Symptoms
-Pearly or waxy bump on the skin of your face or neck.
-Flat, flesh-colored or brown, scar-like lesion on your chest or back.
-Firm, red nodule or flat lesion with a scaly or crusted surface on your face, neck, ears, hands, or arms.
-Itchiness, tenderness or pain associated with lesion.
-Any lesion that is asymmetrical in shape, has an irregular or jagged border, varies in color from tan to brown, brown black or red to blue.
-Any lesion bigger than the top of a pencil eraser.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
Graduated: N/A
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Professional Communications
Clubs: R.U.C.- Regent Undergraduate Council
2005 to Present
Long Island University-C W Post Campus
Brookville, NY
Graduated: N/A
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations
Clubs: PR Club and Protestant club
Check out my blog on the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation website... www.skincaf.org
Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation launches their Sun Safe Spa program at event in Las Vegas on July 18, 2007 and I was there. Check out the photos...
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Hello everyone,
My name is Kelli and I started this site because I think I can make a difference in the way young people think about Skin Cancer. Our grandparents aren’t the only ones diagnosed with skin cancer. I was diagnosed with Melanoma at the age of 16. I am the national spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation, please visit www.skincaf.org. I hope that this site can be a place of education, discussion, and resources.
Who I'd like to meet:
MY STORY
When I was fifteen years old, I noticed a small spot on my chest which began to grow little by little. When I was at doctor appointments I would mention it occasionally. My doctor said it was nothing and to just watch it. When I was sixteen and a junior in high school, the spot had developed into all the signs of cancer. Finally, I went to a dermatologist who just glancing at it said "this does not look good". In January 2000, I underwent surgery to remove the sight. I was diagnosed with Melanoma.
Later, I learned my grandma and my grandpa had Melanoma as well. In the next three months I underwent two more surgeries at the University of Michigan Hospital, where my lymph nodes under my left arm where removed because the cancer had spread. They removed a fibroid (non-cancerous) tumor from my left breast which until then I was too scared to mention.
Around my 17th birthday I started a year of interferon treatments in a clinic near my home. I missed a lot of school because the treatments made me feel like I had a really bad flu. My family, friends, church and school were very supportive. I finished treatments on my 18th birthday. I was able to go to my senior prom and graduation. I was so happy to be finished with this time in my life, I thought.
After this experience I thought I could do anything. I left home and started college at Long Island University, Southampton, NY. I was in remission and trying to live a normal college life. I did not really want to tell anyone about my cancer because I thought this was my opportunity to be normal, not be the sick girl. Later I realize that I had experienced this for a reason and I needed to share my story with others.
I was five years cancer free when my cancer returned. I had just been home for Thanksgiving break and returned to school for finals. I was having a hard time breathing. I was rushed to the hospital by my doctor. I was sitting there in the ER by myself and I feared the worst. The chest x-rays showed a large mass near my lungs pressing on my airway. The suggested that I contact my cancer doctors back home.
I was rushed home to get tests done. My cancer had returned and I was now diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma. My doctors at the University of Michigan said that we were going to immediately start high dose Interleukin 2 treatments in the hospital. The treatments work in 10% of patients and I was so scared. In January, I spent one week in the hospital, one week at home, and another week in the hospital. They were the worst weeks of my life. The treatments showed some reduction in the mass. So in July, I started another round of the treatment.
In august 2005, I returned to college. This time I transferred to Regent University , in Virginia Beach , VA. It was a great experience and I love the beach. I was forced to tell people my story because at the beach they would see my scars and I am always covered with SPF 40 sun screen, an umbrella, a hat and a long sleeve tunic. I remember one time, I was at the beach with about 25 friends and only three of us put on sun screen. I said to a few of my friends, "aren't you concerned about getting skin cancer?" One of my friends replied, "I will worry about that when I am old."
I think that this day at the beach has really encouraged me to share my story and to be a part of raising awareness among young people about skin cancer. I think that it is so important to change the misconceptions young people have about Skin Cancer. The statistics are scary. I have graduated college with a bachelors degree in professional communication. I just turned 24 and I will be starting graduate school in the Fall to get my masters in communication. I am really excited about this opportunity to work with the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation to spread awareness.
I have had the opportunity to do so many awesome things so far to spread the word. I will be in the Christian Leader Magazine in the Fall 2007. I filmed a video for the American Academy of Dermatologist which I hope to have on my site soon. I will be in Las Vegas in July 2007 for the launch of the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation's new Sun Safe Spa Program. And it is just the beginning. Check out my spot in July's issue of Seventeen Magazine
Check out my mention in Teen Vogue's May 2007 Issue
Alternatives to tanning
There are so many great sunless tanning products on the market. These products are a safe alternative for a beautiful tan. Society tells us that "to be beautiful, you need a tan." Well, there are plenty of products which can make you have a beautiful glow. I recommend these products from
Thanks for the add...I am glad you are advocating for skin cancer awareness..My husband is a melanoma survivor...he was diagnosed in 2002 and it came back in 2005..currently in remission. It is a long road as you know but, keeping positive and enjoying your everyday life is essential. Best to you, Karen
Thanks for the add Kelli, I would love to help in any way I can to spread awareness. I would also like to help with your Shade Across America campaigne. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Thanks again, God bless and stay healthy!! Cyndi
Thank you for the add and for making others aware about skin cancer. I had basal cell carcinoma removed from my scalp 3 years ago. I was someone who thought it will never happen to me. I hope it never happens again. Again, thank you for sharing your story and I admire your will power and what you are doing to make others aware.
MY DAD PASSED FROM SKIN CANCER--IT WILL BE 3 YEARS THIS JULY--HE WAITED TO LONG TO GET IT TAKEN CARE OF--SO AFTER HE WAS TREATED--HE ONLY LIVED ABOUT 6 MTHS.---I STILL MISS MY DAD SO MUCH--AND FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND HERE--IT IS EVEN HARDER.--BUT MY DEAR GOD ABOVE HELPS ME AND MY FAMILY GET THROUGH EACH DAY!! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR MAKING A DIFFERENT AND TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! TAKE CARE!!
