How to explain that skin cancer is serious?
A lot of people don't understand how difficult skin cancer can be. How do you explain it to people who don't get it?
Many people associate the seriousness of cancer with the words "chemotherapy" and "radiation." When those words aren't used, some tend to believe that the removal of a mole or two means a patient is cured. I have heard the phrase "just skin cancer" more times than I care to think about. I have found that friends and family look at skin cancer in a whole new light when they realize that we, too, use chemotherapy. Ours may be applied in a cream, but it is chemotherapy by the same right. Many co-workers have been amazed to find that Efudex is a chemo cream, and they have been stunned at its side effects. I have been known to tell people that cancer is cancer--the form doesn't matter.
I recently posted my story with photos not for sympathy but to show how important skin cancer awareness is needed!
Yes
, photos tell a powerful story about skin cancer and its seriousness. So glad you are using your voice to spread awareness!! - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team
I was insulted and had to school an insurance agent on Melanoma after he made the comment, well at least you didn't have "real" cancer, Melanoma is not a dangerous cancer, he said. This was after he turned me down for a cancer policy, said it wouldn't pay anything for 5 more years. I was furious at his comments, set him straight and reported him to my Human Resource office. They are the ones who chooses this supplemental company and invited them in for sales. This just happened yesterday and I'm still reeling from it. I showed him my 4 inch long wide excision scar on my arm and told him I have other friends with horror stories who can prove him wrong. Some are no longer alive. 🙁
It is infuriating what you've been through,
. This story really brings home the fact that skin cancer patients face serious obstacles. I hope your fight for recognition will create change. Even if not, I am in awe of your strength and determination to stand up for yourself. Scars and stories are powerful tools for proving the impact of skin cancer. So glad you set the record straight and appealed to the top. I imagine it has to change at the top level and I hope someday it will! - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team Thanks so much, NinaHU.
Skin cancer is very serious. Melanoma kills. It is serious stuff. It's treatment can be very obvious as skin is so visible and evident. Your life struggles are literally on display for everyone to see and evaluate. It can affect not just your physical health, but your emotional well being, too.
