Sharing my WHY on Melanoma Monday

My WHY

Today, is #MelanomaMonday. A day the American Academy of Dermatology recognizes to raise awareness of skin cancer – the most common, yet most preventable cancer in the U.S. This day is an important reminder of my WHY because I am a survivor of stage IV melanoma.

About 10 years ago I went to the doctor to – finally – have a strange mole on my leg checked out. It came back as melanoma. Unfortunately, it had spread into my body, and I was then considered stage III. After a year of surgeries and different drug therapies, my cancer had progressed – I was now stage IV and my doctor was out of options. He said I needed to find a clinical trial if I had any hope.

I can still remember that feeling – scared of course, but more than anything, stuck in the middle of a giant health care maze. ?That’s the type of situation we never want to have patients in and it’s why I work every day, to help get medicines to the right patients at the right time.

The trial saved my life and the drugs involved in the study are now the standard of care.

Today I am cancer free. But my experience as a patient stays with me forever. It gave me an even better understanding of how complex the health care system is for patients to navigate.?It’s given me a unique opportunity to advocate for others and fuels me to create new solutions that make that patient experience a bit easier.

Learn how you can prevent and detect skin cancer

Taking time for our own health is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, our families, our coworkers, and our community. And, since today is Melanoma Monday I thought I would share a few helpful reminders about skin cancer.

• Practice safe sun. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Find a shady spot, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Wear sun protective clothing and sunglasses with UV protection whenever possible and use extra caution near water, snow and sand. Avoid tanning beds.
• Perform a skin self-exam. You can find skin cancer early if you know what to look for. Learn about performing a skin self-exam here.
• Get screened for cancer. Be sure to see a dermatologist for regular skin screenings and talk to your doctor or a dermatologist if you notice a changing mole or a suspicious spot on your skin.

All of these tips and more can be found on the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s page: Prevent Skin Cancer.