Bridgitte McMullen , RPN / LPN | Nurse Care Specialist , Humanacare

Ron Thompson | ARTA Member

Ron ’ s Experience

Over the last few years , I ’ ve had some close calls with skin cancer . The first happened some time ago , when I noticed several growths on my face and earlobe . My general practitioner removed the facial growths but didn ’ t want to touch the growth on my ear . He said I needed to book an appointment with a dermatologist immediately .

The dermatologist took a biopsy and , sure enough , the growth was cancerous . He told me they would have to be removed by surgery . They were taken off , and I checked back in with him after six months and again after a year , and he found no further growths . I was relieved to hear that I would be fine .

Then , approximately five years later , I started noticing red blemishes on my face , and I was sent to the dermatologist again . This time , he found evidence of two precancerous conditions . With the right medications , over two or three years , those blemishes are pretty well gone . I ’ m not under the illusion that I ’ m out of the woods yet . I know they could return at any time .

Finally , I recently developed a growth on my left hand about the size of a dime . My new general practitioner initially thought it was just a wart . But even with the wart treatment she gave me , it was getting larger , not smaller , and became enflamed . I knew the routine at this point : back to the dermatologist . Again , after a biopsy , it turned out to be cancerous . Again though , after several tests and scrapings , I received good news . The cancer was once again eliminated .

After three brushes with cancer , I know it ’ s something that isn ’ t just going to go away . The chances of another occurrence are pretty high , so it ’ s something I have to keep watching out for . If I see something suspicious , I won ’ t leave it . I have learned , the longer I leave it , the worse it could potentially get .

Bridgitte McMullen , HumanaCare Registered Practical Nurse Explains

Ron ’ s experience is not uncommon . When time in the sun is compounded over many years , skin can start to show signs of sun-damage , including cancer . But , with proper vigilance , you can often catch skin cancer before it becomes life-threatening .

Avoiding skin cancer begins with prevention , no matter your age . Even on days when you don ’ t think it ’ s that hot or sunny , wear a wide-brimmed hat , cover your arms and legs , and get sunglasses that offer protection against both UVA and UVB radiation . Plan your outdoor activities either before 10 a . m . or after 4 p . m . to avoid the most intense sunlight . Seek shade where you can , and wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher . It ’ s never too late to benefit from basic sun-safe habits .

Next , like Ron , you ’ ll want to remain mindful of signs of skin cancer . There are three major types of skin cancer : basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma , and melanoma .

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