Living

Anytime the sun is shining, it’s also emitting UV radiation. However, it’s not a constant amount. There are a lot of factors that can quickly increase the UV intensity, putting...

Every six months, I have an appointment with my dermatologist for a full skin check. These appointments are typically in June and December. Overall, the June appointments have gone pretty...

You should always be aware of any changes in your skin. Skin cancer is best treated when caught early. While this may worry you, sometimes there are things that look...

I spent another long day photographing eagles and other wildlife at the bridge last weekend. It was really hot and humid and very buggy. Over and over I heard people...

I am a radiation therapist working in a dermatology office treating non-melanoma skin cancers with superficial radiation therapy. This statement no longer even seems unique to me. For many patients...

“So, why are we here today?” That one question launched my skin cancer advocacy mission. It wasn't asked by a family member or friend or even someone I had just...

The UV index is a scale from 1 to 11+ used to determine the intensity of the UV radiation emitted from the sun. Lower numbers represent lower levels of UV...

If you're not familiar with dysplastic nevus syndrome, you're not alone. It's also known as atypical mole syndrome (AMS) and was first brought to the attention of a doctor in...

While I was moderating the SkinCancer.net Facebook page recently, I noticed a question from one of our community members: "can basal cell carcinoma spread?" The question made me realize that...

Working as a superficial radiation therapist treating skin cancers, I have encountered so many interesting patients. But a few unique individuals have left such an impact that has forever changed...

As a tennis fanatic, I am so happy to see Wimbledon back in full swing after its cancellation last year. The venerable grass-court tournament – lawn tennis officially – is...

In March of 2007, I had my first skin cancer excision--the first of many procedures to remove cancerous lesions. Almost fourteen years later, a biopsy on my collar bone came...

Far too many people think that skin cancer is no big deal. After all, it’s "just" skin cancer, right? Those of us who have had skin cancer know this is...

Self-care has become an important thing lately, especially for our generation. There are a lot of different activities that can constitute self-care, and of course, they vary by individual. I...

I think I have a new least-favorite spot for skin cancer removal: squamous cell carcinoma on my nose. It’s the same spot where a big pimple appears during your teen...

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer and is frequently caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from exposure to tanning beds or to sunlight, and is frequently found...

When I was first diagnosed with melanoma I did exactly what every doctor would recommend you don’t do: I Googled absolutely everything. By looking up skin cancer statistics I learned...

Golfers and skin cancer have an unfortunate link, with the disease being termed "golf's silent killer." Many golfers hope for a sunny day on the course, not realizing how much...

Surgery was the best treatment option for my diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, or DFSP, and I required two surgeries 6 weeks apart for the pathology report to deem me cancer-free...

One of my favorite Facebook groups centers around The Office. Daily memes and quips posted by members keep me in stitches--it’s my family’s favorite series. I regularly find myself laughing...