One less word

I love my job as a dermatologist.  But there is nothing I love about having to tell someone that they have melanoma.  Despite the good prognosis when caught early, melanoma is a word that no one wants to hear. 

So wouldn't it be great if no one had to hear it?

May is Melanoma Awareness month. Do yourself a favor and have your skin examined by a dermatologist.  Encourage your friends and family to do the same.  Take care of your skin: wear sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoid the sun during peak hours.  And please, please, don't use tanning beds.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor UV tanners are 74% more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those who have never tanned indoors.  That's a big increase.  And believe it or not, there are still plenty of people out there using tanning beds, despite all the info about how dangerous they are.  Trust me - I see it every day. 

So, protect your and your loved one's skin.  And let's make that word go away.