Dear 16-Year-Old Me | Skin Cancer Awareness

thanks for the link Ali. This is so very important...even if you have darker skin like me.

[...] Dear 16-Year-Old Me | Skin Cancer Awareness (aliedwards.com) [...]

I had two later in life pregnancies (at ages 37 and 39), and it was after that I noticed a mole on my upper leg that kept bleeding a little. I wasn't even sure it was a mole because it was flat. It wasn't very large, and it didn't have funny colors, but I went to the dermatologist anyway. It was basal cell. He took one look at it and did a biopsy that day. I later had to go back for a follow up to make sure all the cancer cells were removed. It was a HUGE wake up call for me! I also had a former boss who had skin cancer on her back who went through a similar situation as Julie.

If you become pregnant, especially in your 30s or later, please make sure you have your skin checked by a dermatologist -- especially if you are fair skinned and have moles. I was told that the hormones in pregnancy can really set off a cancer cell that might not have done anything before. I was planning on having any other children, but I was told it wasn't a good idea, either! I'm now 7 years out from that, and have not had any other occurrences. I now seek out the shade, not the sun!

Oh Ali. Thank you so much for sharing this!

Yesterday I had life saving surgery for Breast cancer. Thanks to mamograms!

Hi Ali,
thank you so much for sharing about the awareness of Melanoma. My strong, healthy 46 year old husband, died 3 years ago this June from stage 4 melanoma. His mole was on the side of his right foot and had been there his whole life.

We had no idea what it even was when he was diagnosed early '06. I remember reading that Melanoma is a silent epidemic. Thank you so much for posting this.

An excellent reminder! I just had my skin checked at the dermatologist last week. It feels great to know that I've done something important for my health.

My cousin died of melanoma at the age of 36. His started in the area of a birth mark on his back that he was born with. According to his doctors this is not that uncommon. Having your skin checked for skin cancer has to be the easiest and most painless test there is. Everyone should always be aware of any changes in their bodies. Only you know your own body.

I shared this on my Facebook page. My sister-in-law had melanoma removed from her leg--and then had a pool installed in her backyard! It is scary stuff. I hope you are all clear from now on!

Ali - I also had melanomas when I was pregnant with my son, now 5. I never knew that melanomas can caue cancer in unborn babies. I now see a skin cancer doctor every 6 months. Thanks for the post - I added it to my Facebook page.

[...] saw this on Ali Edwards blog, struck me. Such an important message in such a simple [...]

Love that you are sharing something so important. I am going in next week to have 9 mole removed. I had 3 mole removed last year that turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. So doing self examination and going for check ups with your dermatologist on a regular basis is key.
I have dark hair and I am not very pale (so not the typical candidate). I had not heard that if you had more tham 50 moles you where at risk. In my case I have that on one arm! So checking for moles takes about 30-40 min (I take pictures) as I probably have over 250 moles on my body. Thanks for posting the link for the T-shirts, will go buy some as they are not easy to find ;-)

I watched this yesterday. It made me cry! The messages shared are so important and so very real.

Recently had a sunspot removed from my leg. Skin specialist a year ago said it was nothing. A gut feeling told me he wasn't right. Saw a different skin specialist - he froze it off straight away. If unsure, get a second opinion.

Wow! What a powerful video. I sent the link to my entire address book. Thanks.

Oh Ali. Thank you so much for this. I am passing it on right now (ok, right after I stop cryng.)

Thanks for sharing this Ali! I reposted it...great reminder / conversation starter for the summer (year round, but we know more people are outside and exposed in the summer). I'm going to make sure we have an appt with the dermatologist for a check-up too! Thanks for the friendly "kick in the pants" we needed!

Hi Ali! Thanks for sharing this awesome video!! I reposted it as well! I've had many moles removed as well and now watch my boys with even more diligence. My oldest recently had one removed (at my request). It came back "suspicious"...so good to be pro-active!

Thanks, Ali. The photo of Julie with her three kids made me choke back tears after reading her story and pushed me to make an appointment for a screening. Thank you. :)

Ali, thank you so much! I have posted this video to my Facebok wall. I will keep you in my prayers. On 3/25/11 I lost my beloved 47 yr old Stepmom to Melanoma. It is a vicious disease that takes good people way too early.

I have had two basal cell carcinoma's removed in the last 6 years (I was 40 when they found the first one). One was on my back and the other was on my chest. I too go every 6 months and will for the rest of my life. I'm not sure if someone else mentioned this, but my started off as what I thought was a pimple. It didn't heal and would bleed and was painful if you scratched the surrounding skin. Sunscreen, limit exposure & try to prevent major sunburns. Oh, and of course, stay out of tanning beds!!