Share Your Story
Have you or someone you love been affected by skin cancer?
By sharing your personal experience with skin cancer, you can play a vital role in educating and informing others about this disease. By recounting your story, you can effectively raise awareness regarding the significance of safeguarding oneself from the sun, detecting signs early, and promptly seeking medical attention upon noticing any concerning changes in the skin.
Early stage melanoma
By Julie W. Dec 2022
Despite being dismissed by a dermatologist, my gut intuition prompted me to seek a second opinion at a skin cancer clinic, where I was diagnosed with early-stage melanoma on my leg. Recently, I had another mole on my stomach removed, which fortunately turned out to be benign. However, this experience has left me quite fearful of sun exposure.
Blue-black small mole
By Maureen June 2022
I had an experience with a Stage 1 melanoma back in 2008, located on my inner ankle. Like you, I noticed a peculiar-looking blue-black small mole, and fortunately, my doctor took it seriously and promptly excised it. I underwent surgery and received a skin graft. Now, I am cautious when it comes to sun exposure, but I no longer harbor the same intense fear. I frequently use "tanning towels" as an alternative to achieving a tan.
Skin cancer is who I am.
By Mark R. March 2022
Last July, I experienced a pinched nerve in my neck. Despite adjustments, the pain worsened, leading me to the ER. There, a doctor noticed a mole on my leg, prompting its immediate removal. It turned out to be stage 2 malignant melanoma, requiring surgery and lymph node removal. Since then, I've undergone various treatments for skin issues, including multiple biopsies and therapies. Monitoring for new spots has become part of my daily routine, shaping my identity and prompting regular dermatologist visits to safeguard my health.
Beach Living
By Lee R. June 2021
​Growing up by the Long Island Sound meant endless days of swimming and fishing right outside my door. Despite never using sunscreen in those days, I enjoyed flawless skin. However, at 50, a persistent spot on my nose turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. After surgery and laser treatments, my skin healed well, although I've since had more surgeries for squamous cell carcinoma. While insurance no longer covers laser treatments, I remain vigilant about sun protection and advocate for prevention. Grateful for my surgeons, I cherish each day by the beach.