I've really never been bad to my skin. I'm not a tanner and I don't even really like the sun....aka I don't like to sweat. But, I managed to have basal cell skin cancer (carcinoma). I will now be even more vigilant about protection for both the kids and myself.
I'm fortunate that I knew I had a familial risk so I did go to the dermatologist every couple of years. Now I will probably go annually for a quicky check. The thing some people don't realize is that skin cancer isn't just a mole. It can be any anomaly in your skin. For my mom and I both it was a skin colored, slightly rough or scaly patch that itched. Mine didn't itch constantly, but it's been aggravated by this winter's extreme cold. When I scratched it it was hurting. I put it off long enough and finally made the appointment. She couldn't even see it without me pointing it out and then thought it may just be a keratosis, which I would have been thrilled with. I got my results from the biopsy today and it is basal cell. Since I go often enough and when you catch it and it's just basil cell it's easy to deal with. Cut the cancerous cells out. It's only in the very top layer of skin....unlike melanoma.
My biggest problem with it is that I will have a scar on my back. It's closer to my shoulder, so it is visible. I HATE that. I'm glad it will be nothing once it's removed, but I hate scars and the thought of having more areas chopped out now that I've had one spot. So, I'm hoping to protect my kids from this. Sometimes, for some people there is no protection. It is what it is. I think that's my problem since it's so prevalent in our family. Thank goodness 3 of my kids do not have my genetics...that gives me hope, but leaves unknowns of their own.
So please, please, please don't ignore your skin. Take care of it. It's not worth it.
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