Hat Olive

Cancer Is Boring --did I catch your eye?

What really bugs me are the magazines that show celebrities wearing hats and sunglasses while their children wear nothing, and that is where it all begins. If you have sunburn a few times in your youth you may end up mature with that ugly spot on your back or face or ear which could be skin cancer.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It often starts out as a colored mole or spot, but can spread fast to surrounding skin and other organs. Melanomas make up only one or two per cent of all skin cancers, but they are the types most likely to be fatal.

Don't ever believe you cannot get it. It is a miserable type of cancer when the cells build up and fall off into the blood stream and latch onto the liver, lung, bone, it destroys many parts of the body this way.

Always put a hat on your child when they go out in the hot sun if they don't want to then tell them why, and if that does not help show them a picture on the Internet.

　

Are there different forms of the disease?

There are four types of melanomas, depending on their location, shape, and whether they grow outward or downward into the skin.

• Superficial, spreading or flat: Grows outwards at first and forms an irregular pattern on the skin, with an uneven colour.
• Nodular: Is lumpy and often a blue-black colour. It may grow faster and spread downwards, into the skin.
• Acral melanomas: Develop on the palms of the hand, soles of the feet or the nailbeds.
• Lentigo maligna: Usually develops on the faces of elderly people.

What causes melanomas?

The biggest contributing factor is the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Melanoma cancer typically starts in areas exposed only occasionally to the sun, such as the back, and the backs of the legs.

Who's at risk?

People who have:

• Lots of moles, particularly atypical moles (irregular shaped, but benign).
• Family history of melanoma in more than one relative.
• Blond or red hair.
• Fair or freckled complexion.
• Had a severe sunburn during childhood.

As well, incidence rates and mortality rates appear to be higher for men.

Are you likely to survive if it's caught early?

Yes. About 90 per cent of melanoma can be cured if caught in the early stages.

To catch it, here are some telltale signs to look for:

• Any birthmark or mole that changes in its shape, colour, size or surface.
• Any new growth on your skin — pale, pearly nodules that may grow larger and crusty, or red, scaly, sharply defined patches.
• Any sore that doesn't heal.
• Any patch of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or becomes red and bumpy.

　

Does it spread rapidly?

Yes.

It spreads faster than the other types of skin cancers. It varies from case to case, but it could spread from the skin to the lungs and other organs within months.

Can I get it if I use a tanning bed?

Yes. Exposure to UV rays can lead to melanoma, rays from a tanning bed can be especially harmful. There are three different types of UV rays: A, B and C. UV A — the kind found in a tanning bed — is the most carcinogenic.

How can I reduce the risk of developing melanomas?

The Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association recommend that Canadians:

• Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Put on clothing to cover your arms and legs.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
• Keep babies younger than one year out of the direct sun.
• Avoid tanning parlors and sunlamps.

　

To all of you out there who think you are one of the untouchables do not play with the lives of your children, you do not have the right.

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About the Author

My name is Susan Oliver. I was born in Matlock Green, Matlock, Derbyshire, England and now live in Canada. I have seen many things, lived with and without love, made some friends that changed my life and held me together, when I was torn apart. Life makes us what we are. I love Jesus, animals, and the true beauty in people. I just wish we loved each other more and judged each other less. At this time of my life I thought it would be fun to remember the good the bad and the ugly, and leave some stories and poetry for my children. I am writing Memories of Life, a Poetical Life, Matlock Green, and Matlock Derbyshire Snippets. When something really ticks me off I write about that too. I have lifetime friends; they are the stars in my universe, from all over the world, all religions and all colours. They are a part of my family. A Fun Gift Shop

Olive in the green hat.