Only Skin Deep?

Sharing her Sister's Story

2010-07-07T11:47:00.016-06:00

Last August a lady named Jenifer from Orange County, California, whom I never met emailed me. She asked me to share the story of her sister, Alison, who succumbed to malignant melanoma - deadliest form of skin cancer. Knowing that completing another edition of my book has been postponed to a TBD date, I decided to archive her email for the future edition.

Yet, today, after a girl at work asked me to take a look at a mole and determine if she needed to see a dermatologist, I suddenly remembered this email about Alison. Then, I remembered how my friend, Tiffany's husband, who is featured in my book as a two-time skin cancer survivor lost his third and final battle with the disease one year ago.

It is important to remember that while skin cancer is highly preventable, it does claim lives. Therefore, it is vitally important that we take the proper precautions - and not take for granted the fact that is largely preventable; rather, remember that it's only "preventable" if we protect ourselves. Do not take for granted the importance of proper, year-round sunscreen use, performing self skin exams every month and visiting your dermatologist every year - and especially avoiding tanning beds. There is absolutely no such thing as a safe tan from a tanning bed. Period. Claims that tanning beds are good sources of Vitamin D or catalysts for combating depression are categorically untrue. Feel free to read previous blog posts about all the aforementioned topics, and definitely search the American Academy of Dermatology for official medical information about skin cancer prevention.

Again, the only way we can stem the tide of this growing epidemic is both through proactive prevention and educating others - especially youth. There is really no reason that someone in the United States should die from melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - every hour, if we are wiser about UV safe/skin health behaviors.

Perhaps, sharing Jenifer's sister's story will inspire you to be a personal "skin cancer crusader" both in your life and in the lives of those you know and love:

[Note: The following is quoted verbatim as shared in a direct personal email dated 8/4/09, and is printed with permission from the sender.]

"Danielle,

This is a story about my sister in her own words. Her life was filled with lots of humor and tons of love to give. We will always remember her needs for candy…and lot of it, her love for all things Vanilla and White…..but most of all we will love celebrating HER! She has so much fight and so much ability and so much to share. Alison has fought her fight and is about to go peacefully! Please read and enjoy her story and pass long the news. Thank you! Jenifer.

I grew up in Orange County. A southern Californian fair- skinned blue eyed blonde, who spent countless hours and days bathing in the warm sun, desiring for that golden tan skin. I spent many summer afternoons lounging at the beach or the pool with my girlfriends, when I wasn't coaching swimming lessons or lifeguarding at the local college pool. I was the head coach for an Irvine swim league and took them from 20th place to 10th. I was living the life as a young adult. I had no worries. I had no fears. I just wanted to be pretty, and of course, tan.

I still remember my father scorning "You'd better put on sun screen", before I would leave the house every morning. I always looked at him as if he was crazy. I swore he was a complete dork! Didn't he understand? I needed to be tan. I wasn't going to be tan with sunscreen.

Years would pass. I graduated from high school at Capo Valley. I kept sun bathing. I continued teaching private swim lessons-1 never wore a hat. I never wore sunscreen like my dad had warned so many times. I always would burn, then burn again, eventually building up a base tan. After the first month I would be able to tan my skin. This process took place every Summer.

I was accepted to Otis Design School in Los Angeles. I wanted to be a fashion designer. I wanted my own clothing line. I received my AA degree from a local community college, Orange Coast and then enrolled at Otis. On summer days, I tanned in my backyard or at the pool.

In 1996,1 had a beautiful baby girl and named her Madison Alexis. She became my everything. I was a single mom and it was just the two of us. I taught her how to swim and we spent many Summer days lounging around the pool or at the beach. Of course I was still sun bathing-1 loved the sun. Madison just loved being outdoors and loved swimming.

One Autumn day, I woke up and suddenly realized I had a mole on the inside of my left calf. Odd, I thought. I have a lot of moles on my body, so I didn't think anything of it. I made an appointment with my family physician to have him look at the mole. I trusted him. He knew me well- he had known my history and could give me advice on what to do. An hour later, the appointment ended. He told me it was just a mole and wasn't anything I needed to worry about. He suggested I have it burnt off, if it was really bothering me. He definitely did not seem concerned. He was in a hurry and left the room. I left the room with a sigh of relief- it was nothing!

Months would pass, which somehow turned into a year. The mole was still there, but this time, it had changed color and size and shape. I swore I thought I just kept cutting it while I was shaving. I thought it had just formed a scab. I would remind myself it was nothing. The doctor even said so. I kept covering it with band-aids.....until one day is started bleeding.

I dropped off my little one at preschool early one day, kissed her goodbye, and drove to the emergency room at Hoag Hospital. I didn't want to take Madison with me, I knew she would be scared. It was 6 am. Now I was scared. I checked myself in and was seen right away by a doctor. He observed the mole and had a puzzled look on his face. The look remained on his face for about 10-15 minutes, until he excused himself from the room. As he returned, with 10 medical books in hand, the doctor and 4 of his fellow doctors, were quickly thumbing through the books anxiously hoping to give me some answers. I heard them say over and over, "No, it sure doesn't look like cancer."

I was feeling relieved. They told me they didn't know for sure, but that they recommend I see a dermatologist. It definitely didn't look cancerous. I was confused. I had never seen a dermatologist before. I always had good skin.

They handed me a piece of paper with the number of a dermatologist near my house, and told me to make an appointment as soon as possible. I left immediately. I swore I was fine.

As soon as the dermatologist's office opened, I called to make an appointment. Luckily, they had an opening the very next Monday. I was in. I was positive everything was going to be fine. It wasn't cancer. It didn't look like cancer. I trusted those doctors, especially my family doctor who I have known since the age of 5. I was going to be fine.

Madison and I drove to my appointment. We checked in. I was called in immediately. Madison sat behind me and I plopped down on the doctor's chair. The doctor entered the room and within 30 seconds of viewing the mole, he urgently asked me how long I had had it for. I explained to him that I was a super busy, single mom, was going to school, working full time and raising a daughter, etc....."I don't know", I said. "A month. A few months. A year." I had lost track of time. He was not happy. He looked as if he was going to jump out of his skin and strangle me. He said nothing. He quickly disappeared. Fifteen minutes later he returns with 2 nurses, 2 trays covered with doctor tools and supplies, and some kind of machine. I was confused. I was scared. Madison began to cry. The doctor told me to lay back. He warned me not to look up. It all happened so fast. My body became numb.

Madison's cries turned into screams and she began to yell out, "Why is there so much blood everywhere?" and "What are you doing to my mommy?". When the procedure was over and after I calmed my little one down, the doctor again warned me to not look up. I did. In front of me, floating in a little clear tube, was a 3" substance which looked like a leech. I asked the doctor where he found that leech, and he told me, "It's not a leech. We got that from you leg." I wanted to vomit. My daughter looked into my eyes and continued to cry. I was still numb. I was so confused.

The doctor said he would call with lab results within the next three to five days. He was sending the leech out for testing. I wanted to cry. A million things rushed through my head. Was it cancer? Was I going to die? Will I be here for Madison? Will I ever be able to have my own clothing line?

4 days later the phone rang. I still remember how eerie the phone sounded when it rang. It was the doctor's office. They left a message. I needed to return for the results from the biopsy. I couldn't breathe. It was going to be bad news. I just knew it. They would have said something if it was good news.

I returned to the dermatologist's office to discover that I had stage III melanoma. The doctor was afraid it had spread to my lymph nodes since the mole was so big and had grown so deep into my skin tissue. He couldn't believe what I had gone through. They wanted to rush me immediately to John Wayne Cancer Institute to perform a wide excision biopsy, including the blue node biopsy- to see if the tumor had spread. I would probably need a skin graph to cover the enormous wound, which would include the aid of a plastic surgeon. They also discussed chemotherapy, radiation and a multiple of treatments. At that moment, I stopped hearing any words. I wanted to just hold Madison.

I followed the advice of the dermatologist, and after my urgent meetings with the team at John Wayne Cancer Institute, I agreed to have the surgeries performed.

On April 10, 2001, at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma. The disease had traveled to my lymph nodes and I had to have seven removed. I had a wide excision biopsy, which meant that they had to remove an inch and a half clearance all around the original 3mm site. I also needed a skin graph- the site was just too big and way too deep to heal by itself. They were afraid the tumor had traveled to my brain or lungs. Numerous tests would reveal- the tumor did not travel outside the lymph nodes. They also told me my survival rate was three to five years.

The wound on my leg was so deep and so big, that a nurse had to come to my house two times a day to bandage and re bandage the wound. I was unable to walk for 30 days. It was hard to take care of my daughter. I was hurting constantly and was struck with fatigue on a daily basis.

After the wound healed, I was referred to an oncologist, near my house, and underwent 30 days of interferon treatment. It was brutal. I had extreme flu symptoms on a daily basis, and couldn't get out of bed for a month. My family came in to help me with Madison. I wouldn't leave the house. My hair fell out. It was a horrible time. They had to take me off interferon after 30 days, because my body could not longer handle it and my white blood cell count kept drastically dropping. My doctor explained that I had received 80% of the treatment and it wasn't necessary to continue. It took four months to recover.

Months went by, and I started getting medical bills bounced back to me. My Health Net Insurance had denied my surgeries, my treatments, my hospital stays, my scans and even the hospice nurses. They had denied almost $200,000.00 in medical bills. I was in a state of panic and confusion. I was a single mom, unable to work. How was I going to pay for all of these bills?

Health Net claimed I had a pre-existing condition. When I filled out my paperwork at registration, they said I didn't check off the box that read: mole.

I was no longer allowed to get Pet Scans, MRI's, X-rays, etc., without having to pay cash. I needed to be scanned every 3 months. I couldn't afford that. My oncologist agreed to see me for regular check ups with no charge. I had to pay for everything else. That was impossible. I still owed $200,000.00 in medical bills.

I tried to get insurance from 9 different health insurance companies, only to receive letters in the mail stating that I was denied. I had no health insurance and lived every single day in fear that my melanoma would re-appear. I became obsessed with Madison being exposed to the sun. I stayed out completely. We put on sun screen every moment we walked outside the door. I wanted her safe. I just wanted to live.

After 4 years, I stopped getting regular check ups and started living my life as a cancer survivor. Again, I had no health insurance, could not afford to get scanned and my oncologist would no longer see me. I owed him close to $50,000.00 in past due invoices. I owed the Imaging Center close to $17,000.00. They would only take me in as a cash patient.

My hair slowly grew back. The symptoms from the interferon finally subsided. My wound healed (there is still a gigantic hole there). My daughter was growing bigger. Hooray-I was still a mommy. I started my own clothing line and lived each day as if I was normal. Of course I was tired, but I kept on going. Of course there were days when I wanted to lay in bed each day, but I was determined to fight this and to fulfill my dreams.

Everything was fine until March, 2008.1 was at my local gym working out, when I suddenly felt dizzy and started seeing little white lights spark in front of me. I thought that I was just exhausted from pushing so hard and because I hadn't eaten anything all morning. Besides I hadn't been inside a gym in over a year. I got down from the Stairmaster and walked into the bathroom to wash my hands. I was looking into the mirror, when I noticed the little white lights again. I felt sleepy, so I walked into the locker room and laid down on the bench.

I closed my eyes....

I awoke in the emergency room at Harbor UCLA hospital, strapped down on a gurney. I was screaming in a state of panic. I had no idea where I was. I didn't know what year I was in. I didn't remember where I lived, or what my name was. I was confused. After a series of tests, and six hours later, they released me from the hospital and told me to make an appointment with a PCP. They told me they couldn't find anything in my test results. They failed to let me know they were preliminary.

Two days passed, and I was on my way to work. I pulled out of my driveway and onto the freeway, when I suddenly felt funny. I couldn't explain the feeling. I just knew something wasn't right. I turned my car around and checked myself back into the emergency room. Later that afternoon, while I was waiting in the hospital, my boyfriend handed me a piece of paper from the hospital, letting me know that I should come back to the hospital. They had found some suspicious information from the MRI and Pet Scan. I was already there, waiting to be admitted. Nine hours went by. I was still waiting.

I was admitted to the hospital and results would show that I had two tumors in my brain and a clump of tumors in my lungs. My melanoma had returned! They also discovered I had a fungal infection that I needed to fight off first. I stayed in the hospital for nine days. They diagnosed me with Stage IV melanoma and told me the prognosis was not good.

Not good at all.

I underwent four weeks of radiation, followed by the first treatment of chemotherapy, on the advice of my oncologist at Harbor UCLA. The infectious disease specialists prescribed me an oral medication (Noxafil) for my fungal infection. I was also prescribed many medications, followed by medications for my side effects from the primary medications. I was in pain. My hair fell out completely. I was always tired. I could not stop coughing and spitting up. I had an upset stomach every morning. But I kept working. I wasn't about to let this disease eat me. I was determined to fight.

My daughter decided to move in with her father, just recently. She said it was too painful to see me and she didn't feel comfortable sleeping next to me. She was afraid she would catch my melanoma. Hearing this was more painful than any tumor or any treatment. I was also losing my little baby to this terrible disease.

With all of these unanswered questions, and several doctors prescribing many medications in a sea of uncertainty, I decided to get a second opinion. I made the decision to call my surgeon and oncologist who saw me in 2001, hoping they would be able to give me a more definitive short term plan, a long term plan, and guide me more effectively since they were melanoma specialists. I knew I didn't have insurance but was hoping they would see me and help me. I was feeling like a number at Harbor UCLA and was traveling along a road of trial and error. I had had enough. This was my life we were talking about. I wanted my daughter back. I wanted to keep my company.

It's May 2008. I have been seeing my two melanoma doctors, Dr. Leland Foshag (surgeon) and Dr. Stephen O'Day (Chief of Research and Director of Melanoma programs) for 1 month now. I had all of my medical records, charts and scans transferred into their care. I qualified for a clinical trial and am currently into my 12 week program. They call the trial 006. Bristol- Myers, the company who sponsors the trial, has agreed to pay for most of the costs. I will still have to pay for doctor visits (which are $440 each), blood tests ($400-600 each), and trial nurse check ups ($250 each). It is a lot of money. But this is my life we are talking about and somehow the financial thing will have to work itself out.

I am still on seizure medication and am not able to drive for six more months. The DMV was kind enough to send me a letter which stated my driving privileges have been suspended until further notice. I go in for checkups with my clinical trial nurse weekly and my infusions continue every three months. I still work every single day. I strongly believe it is all in your mind. I can lie in bed and let this disease eat me or I can get up, get dressed, look in the mirror and thank God for the two things that drive me."

Thank you, Jenifer, for sharing your sister's story - and for allowing me to share it via this Blog.

Alison Bane, the founder of the Olive Jane Company, was like many other young women. She loved life, her daughter, and the outdoors. She had so much going for her; so much to live for, and malignant melanoma cut her life short thus orphaning a little girl. Speaking from experience, losing a mother to cancer forever "scars" a child. Melanoma is the number one killer of women in their 20s and 30s. Please do all you can to protect yourself, and spread the word about proper prevention to others. I have shared other, similar stories about young women who've battled melanoma. Just as breast cancer merits our immediate attention, so does melanoma skin cancer.

To close this entry, here is a poem Alison wrote about her battle with melanoma.

Fight

I will continue to fight so my daughter will come home.
I will continue to fight so my company will grow.
I will continue to fight so my hair will grow back.
I will continue to fight so I can drive again.
I will continue to fight so I can stop coughing for one day.
I will continue to fight until I beat this disease.

- Alison Bane.

Worthy of Remention

2010-07-01T11:36:00.002-06:00

Because July is national Ultraviolet Radiation Awareness month, it seems appropriate to mention - again - a wonderful educational resource that teaches young children about sun safety. (Especially since the sun is our main source of UV exposure.)

As a preschool teacher and cancer educator, I am constantly instilling unique, creative and fun ways to help youth protect themselves from skin cancer. Did you know that 80% of one's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18? Yet, if we foster a habit of daily [year-round] sunscreen use, and are smart about protecting our skin during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. when the sun's rays are most intense (even on cloudy, cold days), we can significantly reduce both our and our child's risk of skin cancer.

This issue has, yet again, hit especially close to home for me as one of my very favorite people recently underwent skin cancer surgery. I told my preschoolers about it, in a way they can understand, through use of this delightful book entitled SkinSense. It's a book I had the lovely pleasure of reviewing prior to its publication.

SkinSense, written by licensed clinical social worker, Lori Glickman, features colorful illustrations by her [then] 10-year-old daughter and explains the importance of sun safety in a fun, engaging way that young children can grasp and understand. I highly recommend every parent, early childhood/elementary teacher, health professional and anyone who cares about the safety of our children to get - and give - a copy of SkinSense.

It is important for our children to experience the outdoors, as it provides vast opportunities to engage their motor skills and learn about their environment. Similarly, it's important for them to experience this as safely as possible - this means proper, daily protection against over-exposure to UV rays from the sun.

For more information about ultraviolet radiation, proper sunscreen use, even sun protective clothing, etc., please review the many informative articles on the subject[s] here on this Blog. You can also check out the American Academy of Dermatology.

Here's to being safe in the sun this summer - and all year round. And don't forget to get a copy of SkinSense! My preschoolers love it - and so will you! And while you're at it, visit the official Skin Cancer Awareness store and show your support!

Hello, Again, Cancer Crusaders

2010-06-09T21:31:00.003-06:00

For starters, my apologies for neglecting this blog for so long. In short, circumstances were as such that demanded my personal attention. And, as we all know, we cannot effectively serve the community (much less fight skin cancer) if we don't first take good care of ourselves and the people in our lives. Since my last entry, I changed careers; leaving the professional marketing/public relations world to return to college and pursue a second degree in psychology/dance therapy. Additionally, while in school and changing [some of] my personal goals, routines, etc., I felt it absolutely imperative to invest considerable time doing some real soul searching; because my work with the skin cancer community involved promoting the official National Skin Cancer Awareness [ribbon] Symbol, which was designed by someone else - and not me; the fact that it represents not only a universal symbol for a world-wide [yet highly preventable] epidemic, but something deeply personal to its creator, I felt, in a word, torn. I was torn between the commitments I had made to the skin cancer community, as well as to my former associate and dear friend, and tenaciously trying to find out what course of action would be best for all involved - including myself. For many years, I was operating at lightning speed. Fighting skin cancer was not only something I devoted many volunteer hours in my spare time outside of my "real job"; rather, it had become almost an all-consuming "thing". The line between Danielle, the award-winning cancer crusader and Danielle, the person was disappearing, thus a healthy sense of balance had been lost. At any rate, I desperately needed time to think; to think about how/where I was going, and how the ribbon's creator and family might be feel about pushing it non-stop across the globe (though, they gave me permission to do). Needless to say, I was riddled with tremendous guilt. Establishing The Cancer Crusaders Organization was my dream. It was not only a way for me to honor my mother, whom I lost to cancer, but also a way for me to serve so many individuals in a uniquely widespread, impactful manner. So, how could I need a hiatus?

Summarily, recent news about someone dear to me possibly having to face skin cancer suddenly awakened me to a solution on how to contribute to the cause, pursue my new [additional] dream of promoting dance therapy/psychology, and still having a fulfilled personal life. I'll begin by taking simple, small baby steps. Perhaps, starting with an occasional blog entry/article on skin cancer. Then, inching toward [maybe] finally revising and updating both my three-year-old ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book and my skin cancer curriculum. And, hopefully, eventually doing an original sun safety children's book with one of my best friends. (I collaborated on and edited a sun safety children's book entitled SkinSense by author Lori Glickman, in 2007. Yet, I have long had an idea for another one), and possibly traveling the country speaking again. The key is: I must first maintain balance: Friends/loved ones and spirituality first. Then, school and my new [eventual] career in child psychology/dance therapy. Followed by personal activities, which include cancer crusading on a small scale (at least significantly smaller than years past).

While this may not be ideal to/for the many wonderful colleagues with whom I've worked over the past seven years. It may not make much sense, especially when I had once been doing this 30+ hours a week [voluntarily] writing, speaking, creating curriculum, launching/hosting radio talk shows, promoting global campaigns, etc., thus garnering three Gold Triangle Awards from the American Academy of Dermatology. Yet, I feel really good about this decision. It has taken me a long time to arrive at this conclusion, but I am making it without any guilt nor regret. I can still contribute to a cause that's so very dear-and-dear to my heart; to help raise awareness about the world's most common - yet PREVENTABLE - cancer. I'll just do it on a very small, small scale when it's appropriate. Individuals will still be able to order an official National Skin Cancer Awareness pin, thus both promote and support the cause. (I am working getting that online in an inexpensive - if not "free" - manner that's simple, effective and streamlined.) As for any other projects, we'll see how things play out going forward. The point is: I hope people will understand my to maintain a healthy balance in my life, and keep my priorities straight. Contributing to the cause is important to me, it just isn't my "entire life" anymore. God didn't create me solely for the purpose of cancer crusading. I am, first and foremost, an individual and I must live life honestly and wholly - which includes cultivating and maintaining healthy, meaningful and lasting interpersonal relationships, pursuing my educational/career goals, having time to laugh and savor, and taking care of myself. If I fail to do this, I fail everyone -- including the cause. Fighting cancer is not my life; rather, it's something in my life that I care deeply about - in addition to many other things.

Thus, that's my long overdue update. Again, I feel good about this... I'm going to "go with the flow", so to speak, and see when/where I can fit in some cancer work in a healthy [balanced] way. Until then, I'm taking it day-by-day, trusting that those who know me well with both understand and respect my decision. I must be true to myself, without forgetting to LIVE my life. Over the past year, I believe that I've finally started doing that...

In closing, as we strive to save other's lives, remember to actively LIVE and savor every moment of our life. As we strive to honor those who've lost their lives to cancer, let us not forget to take good care to love and honor and cherish those who are still a live. In the meantime, feel free to check back periodically. Again, we'll see what happens... one step and day-at-a-time.

That is my hope and my prayer.

Here's to living our best life! (and contributing to the cause when/where we can)

Sincerely,
Danielle White
Co-founder/president
The Cancer Crusaders Organization

*Note: While we figure out how to set up donations online again, you are welcome to order official Skin Cancer Awareness pins via "snail-mail". If interested, please email me at: acancerfreeutah@gmail.com and you'll receive instructions on placing a tax-deductible order. You can also order a ton of products - from buttons, stickers, hats, bags, water bottles, mugs, and magnets - featuring the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol at: http://cafepress.com/SkinCancerRibbo. Thank you for your support!

Looking for SkinCancerRibbon.org?

2008-10-07T20:05:00.004-06:00

Many of our readers have inquired about the status of our SkinCancerRibbon.org site. Due to technical difficulties, the site is currently down; however, we have established a [temporary] blog where the latest information regarding the National Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon will be posted. That blog is located at the following URL:

http://skincancerribbon.blogspot.com

Additionally, a variety of previous posts contain a lot of valuable information regarding the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol - and how to get your official pin. So, feel free to surf this blog. If you have any additional questions about the ribbon, the book, and/or our organization, you can send an email to: info@cancercrusaders.org

We should be posting information about winter sun safety and other valuable tips/tools shortly, so keep your eyes peeled. Remember, sun safety is a year-round affair. We invite you to read previous posts and learn more!

The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

UV Safety Month: Understanding Ultraviolet Radiation

2008-07-08T09:39:00.005-06:00

Traditionally, May has been the designated time when national promotional efforts are focused on skin cancer prevention. (Though, in reality, skin cancer prevention is a year-round issue). The subject of skin cancer prevention/sun safety has resurfaced this month - July has been officially named "UV Safety Month".

Speaking of UV safety, particularly in relation to skin cancer prevention, I'm reprising a Blog post I wrote last year that describes (in laymen's terms) how ultraviolet radiation works - it’s dangers, why we need to be aware of it, and how to protect ourselves:

Understanding Ultraviolet Radiation - Q&A

Q. What is solar ultraviolet radiation?

A. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is defined as the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 100 nanometers (nm) and 400nm. Ultraviolet radiation is classified by wavelength into three regions: UVA - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 315nm to 400nm is thought to contribute to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and has recently been implicated as a cause of skin cancer. UVB - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 280nm to 315nm is more dangerous than UVA and has been implicated as the major cause of skin cancers, sunburns, and cataracts. UVC - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 100nm to 280nm is extremely dangerous but does not reach the earth’s surface due to absorption in the atmosphere by ozone.

Q. How are people exposed to UVR?

A. Solar UVR is the single most significant source of UVR and can reach a person on the ground from three sources, directly from the sun, scattered from the open sky and reflected from the environment. This means that even if a person is shaded from the direct sun they can still receive substantial UVR exposure from the open sky. Also some ground and building surfaces are quite reflective to UVR including white paint, concrete and metallic surfaces. These surfaces can reflect UVR onto the skin and eyes. Reflective surfaces can reduce the effect of protective measures. There are also many types of artificial UVR sources, some of which emit high levels of UVR. Arc welders used in industry produce an intense UVR emission and workers exposed to welding radiation may suffer similar health effects to workers with over exposure to solar UVR. There are many other forms of artificial UVR sources such as fluorescent lamps, mercury vapor, metal halide and quartz halogen lamps used in industry, offices and in the home.

Q. How is UVR measured?

A. Broadband UV biometers and pyranometers are generally used to measure or monitor solar UVR. These instruments measure global solar UVR received on a horizontal surface from the entire hemisphere of the sky. Solar radiation includes both UVR transmitted directly and scattered UVR from the atmosphere, so the design of these instruments ensures measurement of both direct and diffuse radiation. These instruments can also be used to monitor changes in ozone levels and cloud cover effects by measuring changes in UVR irradiation levels.

Q. What are the effects of exposure to UVR?

A. Major organs at risk from exposure to UVR include skin and eyes as the penetration depth of UVR is very short. Ultraviolet radiation can be produced by various artificial sources but for most people the sun is the predominant source of UVR exposure. For outdoor workers without adequate protection or control measures the levels of solar UVR may exceed the generally accepted exposure limits. Those who have been over-exposed to UVR may be unaware of their injury as UVR cannot be seen or felt and does not produce an immediate reaction. Over-exposure to UVR can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. The most obvious short-term effect of over-exposure to UVR is sunburn. The more UVR exposure, the worse the sunburn becomes. A person’s cumulative exposure to UVR along with the number of severe sunburns they have received, especially during childhood, increases their risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure causes the outer layers of the skin to thicken and long-term exposure can cause skin to wrinkle, sag and become leathery. Melanoma, the least common of the skin cancers but the most dangerous, may be related to severe exposure to solar UVR at an early age. Malignant melanomas may appear without warning as a dark mole or a dark “spot” on the skin. UVR exposure also places our eyes at risk of photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitus, ocular melanoma, and cataracts. Cataracts is one of the most common types of eye damage in Australia. Cataracts is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing light and producing sharp images. Without intervention, cataracts can lead to blindness.

Q. How can I reduce my risk from UVR exposure?

A. Increasing public awareness and interest in UV protection is due in part to the requirements for occupational protection of outdoor workers as well as the provision of UVR protection for the recreational market. Behavior outdoors can significantly affect a person’s solar UVR exposure and use of items of personal protection can provide a substantial reduction in the UVR dose received. Many forms of personal protection are available to reduce a person’s exposure to solar UVR. The best protection is to avoid peak hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 AM when the sun's rays are most intense, coupled with proper sun protection year-round (even on cloudy and cold days). When outdoors, wear sun protecting clothing with good body coverage (rated at UPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen. Over recent years interest has extended to shade structures and the UVR protection offered by commonly used materials such as shadecloth, plastic roofing materials, glass and window tinting films, even specially manufactured sun protective clothing. Additionally, everyone should avoid tanning beds. There is NO SUCH THING AS A SAFE TAN!

Q. What is the UV Index?

A. Some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable; however, too much could be dangerous. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn and long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun’s rays. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where low indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ means an extreme risk. Calculated on a next-day basis for every ZIP code across the United States, the UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground in different parts of the country.

UV Index Number Exposure Level
0 to 2 Low
3 to 5 Moderate
6 to 8 High
8 to 10 Very High
11+ Extreme

With 90-95% of skin cancers resulting from over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning, skin cancer is largely preventable. Yet, in order to prevent skin cancer we must take proactive measures to protect ourselves and youth from it. The media and society, as a whole, may not recognize the seriousness of skin cancer and how incidence is growing at epidemic rates; however, I will continue to do bring this issue to light in hopes to not only raise awareness but convince people to protect themselves. We have a responsibility to do what is necessary to protect ourselves and others from skin cancer, especially when we can largely PREVENT it. The first step is proper education about skin cancer prevention. And the first step in preventing skin cancer (or, at least, significantly reducing our risk) is protecting our skin from over-exposure to damaging, even carcinogenic (cancer-causing) ultraviolet radiation. In turn, one of the most effective methods of protecting our skin from UV exposure is proper year-round use of a quality SPF 30 sunscreen (see www.bluelizard.net) and UPF 50+ sun-safety clothing (see UVSkinz.com).

For more information about quality sunscreens and sun protective clothing, see previous Blog posts.

That being said, UVSkinz is extending its offer to give a FREE UV protective shirt (with every purchase) until August to celebrate UV Safety. Please see www.UVSkinz.com to learn more about how you can get a free UPF 50+ (SPF 30) sun-safety shirt for your family.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology & ARPANZA.

Copyright. Danielle M. White, The Cancer Crusaders Organization 2005-2008.

Get a FREE Sun Safety Shirt - NOW!

2008-06-24T10:16:00.005-06:00

Sun safety doesn't mean you have to keep the kids cooped up inside all summer long; rather, effectively protecting them from over-exposure to UV rays. More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV rays. Therefore, this ever-growing cancer is largely preventable – if we are proactive about protecting ourselves and our children. This means proactive, year-round (and daily) sun safety! (Refer to previous Blog posts about sun safety for kids and the danger of ultraviolet radiation.)

In addition to properly applying sunscreen every day (even on cloudy and cold days), leading dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology recommend wearing quality sun protective clothing. The sun protective clothing available through UVSkinz.com is rated at UPF 50+ (the highest rating) which blocks out >97.5% of UV rays. It’s equivalent to an SPF 30 sunscreen. Together, the proper application of an effective broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen (like Blue Lizard Sensitive or Baby) and wearing quality UPF 50+ sun protective clothing (like those available at UVSkinz.com) provides superb UV protection.

In effort to help families teach their children about the importance of sun safety, UVSkinz.com will be giving away one free UV protective shirt to each family from now until the end of June. UV Skinz founder, Rhonda Sparks, is giving away a free sun protective shirt to honor her husband, Darren, whom she lost to melanoma. Darren, a father of three young children, was only 32-year-old when malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – claimed his life. June commemorates his birthday.

So, from now until June 30th, get a free UV protective shirt for your family through UVSkinz.com. For more information, send an email to: info@uvskinz.com. This is a great opportunity get your hands on quality sun protective apparel this summer! And, don’t forget to apply the sunscreen! (Read previous Blog posts about proper sunscreen application.)

Stay tuned for more information about tips and tools to help educate your children/family about effective sun protection.

Note: The free sun-safe shirt give-away is exclusively through UVSkinz.com. For information and other details, please visit their site. The give-away will go until June 30, 2008. Please take note of the rules regarding the give-away when logging on to www.UVSkiz.com. (The shirts are free with ANY purchase). Please contact UV Skinz for more details.

Introducing a Great Sun Safety Tool for Kids

2008-06-17T08:45:00.013-06:00

Many of us have heard about the dangers of over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and its direct link to an increased risk for skin cancer. Yet, how many of us proactively protect ourselves – and our children?

The risk for skin cancer is not hype; rather, it’s a very real threat. More than 1.3-million Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer this year – including melanoma, the deadliest form. In fact, melanoma kills more women in their 20s and 30s than any other cancer. Melanoma is even being seen in young children.

It's true - skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, and the fastest growing cancer in the United States.

The good news: Skin cancer is largely preventable if we’re proactive about year-round sun protection.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80% of one’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18. In other words, if a child suffers one “blistering” sunburn before they reach 18, their risk for skin cancer as an adult dramatically increases (by approximately 60%).

These staggering statistics illustrate a growing epidemic that requires proactive prevention. This includes proper, regular application of a quality broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen – year-round (even on cold, cloudy days). Before your child goes outside, be sure to apply a shotglass amount of a quality broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen all over their body (don’t forget the ears, backs of necks, tops of feet, and hands). Do this approximately 20 minutes before they go outdoors. Then, reapply sunscreen every hour. If your child is under the age of six months, consult your dermatologist for advice. (Infants that young shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.) Begin the process of daily sunscreen application when your children are young to foster a lifelong habit of proper sun protection. And, as with any important lesson, children learn best from example; therefore, parents should be applying sunscreen every day and reapplying it every two hours.

For more information about how sunscreens work, how to choose a quality sunscreen, and how to maximize sunscreen efficacy, please surf the Blog to view articles discussing this topic.

In the meantime, here’s a great educational tool to help teach your children about the importance of sun safety:

SKIN SENSE, written by social worker/mother Lori Glickman, is the first – and only – children’s book that teaches young children about sun safety/skin cancer prevention. Written in the voice of a four-year-old girl, it’s engaging and easy to understand. Order your copy today at www.UVSKINZ.com.

" [SKIN SENSE is] An accurate and important book, which grabs the attention of its young audience and impels them to want to protect their skin.” - Dr. Katherine Bell, dermalogist, Texas.

Blue Lizard Free Sample Update

2008-06-16T11:17:00.009-06:00

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Thank you for your interest in Blue Lizard Australian Suncream.

At this time, we have reached our cap for sample requests. Because we're a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers, our resources are limited. Therefore, we can only accomodate so many requests at-a-time.

When we initially promoted this offer, we had no idea there would be such a surge of interest. Therefore, we set a cap between 500 - 1,000 samples max.

We're thrilled that so many people responded favorably, and are encouraged to see such an interest in sun protection. Indeed, there is a great deal of work still yet to be done to educate our communities about skin cancer prevention.

While we have reached our current cap, we do plan to offer free sunscreen samples again in the future. We'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please read the blog often for skin cancer prevention education tips and updates.

Thank you, again, for your interest - and for helping us fight skin cancer.

Yours in the fight,
The Cancer Crusaders Organization

*Note: We offer(ed)free samples of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscream independently as a public service/educational tool because it's recommended by leading dermatologists. This offer was/is not affiliated with Blue Lizard in any way. We do not make a practice of endorsing products; rather, we donate our time, energy and resources to raising awareness about skin cancer prevention/sun safety. To purchase Blue Lizard sunscreen, please visit www.bluelizard.net. Thank you.

Show you care, Support the cause

2008-05-31T09:14:00.006-06:00

It’s that time of year again – it’s summer time.

Spending more time outdoors means we need to be especially careful about proper sun protection. As many of you know, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world.

While skin cancer incidence continues to rise, the good news is: It’s preventable!

On this blog, you’ll find a variety of helpful tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from skin cancer. Everything from choosing the right sunscreen to proper application, to performing self skin exams – it’s all available here on the blog. So, take a few minutes to read through it. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send me an email at info@cancercrusaders.org.

Another great site for valuable skin cancer prevention information is www.aad.org – this is the official site of the American Academy of Dermatology. You can also pick up a copy of our book -ONLY SKIN DEEP? at Barnes & Noble online.

As we continually work to stem the tide of skin cancer through increased awareness and prevention education, we ask for your support.

By donating $5.00 you’ll get a Skin Cancer Awareness pin featuring the official National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®.

To get your official Skin Cancer Awareness pin, and help support the cause, simply click below:

Thank you for your support!

Here's to your health,

Danielle, co-founder/president
The Cancer Crusaders Organization
PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603

(please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery of pins).

** Show you care -- send a picture of yourself wearing the Skin Cancer Awarenss pin, and you can get a special "thank you" gift from The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

Yes, I still care!

2008-05-30T12:22:00.005-06:00

Today is May 30th which means it’s the last day of the month. Moreover, today marks the last day of national Skin Cancer Awareness month. It signifies the first Skin Cancer Awareness month in five years when I haven’t been proactively pushing the cause.

I feel so guilty!

Some cancer crusader I am, huh? The co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization – the proud home of the official Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon – has neglected to host an event or even publicly acknowledge the cause this month. No speech or seminar, no conference or fundraiser – I haven’t even written any educational articles or blogged about skin cancer/sun safety this month.

In truth, I’ve been feeling guilty about this all month. Cancer crusading used to be a full-time [volunteer] job for me – I’d put in countless hours of work into it. After spending a full day at my real job for 8 or even 12 hours, I’d devote more hours working into the night (not to mention the hours spent on volunteering my weekends). The lack of time, resources, and manpower didn’t matter. I was passionate. I was relentless. I was dedicated. I was a “cancer crusader”.

I’m still a cancer crusader, though. I still wear the official Skin Cancer Awareness pin on my jacket lapel. But, I don’t wear it on my shirt every single solitary day like I used to for nearly four years. I still have a gallon jug of Blue Lizard Australian Suncream next to the front door of my apartment, and carry travel-sized bottles of it in my purse. I’m still the Willy Wonka of sunscreen samples, disbursing them freely whenever I hear someone’s been burnt or spends gratuitous amount of time outdoors without protection. Yet, I have about 50 emails requesting free samples to be mailed that I haven’t even answered. I think about those emails everyday thinking I’ll have a chance to answer them/send them samples, but by the time a free moment arrives I’m getting ready for bed. I just can’t seem to pull all-nighters anymore – I need at least seven hours of sleep to be functional at my job; my livelihood. Besides, walking eight blocks to the post office in the middle of the night isn’t exactly a wise idea). I still cringe with annoyed disgust at advertisements that promote tanning beds and perpetuate misleading/false information about sunscreens – I’m still tempted to write a letter in complaint. I still think about updating the ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book, and finally finishing the second one that’s about 80% done. (Actually, it’s been written but still needs some tweaking/editing/revision/reorganization.) I still pray for people I know touched by the disease, read the monthly email blasts the EPA sends to stay abreast of current trends and pertinent issues related to skin cancer/sun safety, I still try to help others with their skin cancer projects (i.e., Skin Sense), and I still wish there was more that I could do. I STILL CARE.

[But] life happens.

As the years pass, there are different things that demand our immediate attention. Our priorities don’t necessarily change, per se; rather, certain priorities require different things – a different level of personal investment and commitment – at different times in our life. As we grow and progress, our priorities grow (and “adjust”) along with us. I suppose it’s all part of the natural ebb and flow of life. And, realistically, I’m not the “same” person I was five years ago when I was traveling hither-and-yon across the state with my cancer crusading sidekick Miss Utah Natalie Johnson-Hatch (the creator of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®) promoting sun safety 24/7. And, to be honest, a part of me is glad for that. I’m grateful for the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced since then. I’m looking forward to further growth and progression as I strive to be the person HE wants me to be.

It’s not that I don’t care about cancer crusading. I’m still a cancer crusader. I just don’t do it exactly the same way I used to; I give in different ways now because certain priorities have required a certain amount of personal investment and commitment. The timing may have changed slightly, thus I am unable to devote AS MUCH TIME to the cause as I once did (and would like to). Yet, I still care.

I just show that care differently. I suppose it’s more internal than external. (Does that make sense?)

I have received many, many comments from partners in the skin cancer community wondering why “you don’t do as much – if anything – for the cause anymore, Danielle.” They ask, “don’t you care about it anymore? You used to be so passionate. You used to do so much.”

Yes! I still care.

And I still do a lot – just a lot of different “stuff”. I’m diligently working so that I can do exceptionally well at my career, so that I can achieve job security – pay my bills, pay off my student loans, and be a responsible adult like everyone else (and, course, donate to the cause). I’m preparing for GRAD school. I’m devoting more time to my spiritual pursuits so that I can strengthen my relationship with God. I’m taking care of myself – something that I’ve really neglected to do over the years. I’ve always felt so guilty about investing in myself. I much rather serve, care for and love others than think about myself. Yet, I’ve paid some pretty high prices for not properly caring for myself or investing in my personal well-being and growth. A good friend recently said to me, rather abruptly: “You can’t help anyone else unless you help yourself!” And while the delivery of the message may not have been ideal, and as much I really regret having driven someone I care about to such extreme frustration, the truth of the message is, more or less, irrefutable.

So, I’m taking the time to help myself so that, in time, I can truly help others more effectively and bless others’ lives.

Perhaps, in a way, I’m doing more for the cancer community – and my friends – than I ever have before… Either way, I’m still doing what I can – right now.

Take Nothing for Granted: Sun Protection a Year-Round Affair

2008-01-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

Many of my readers will likely remember the story of Tiffany Berg, and her husband Paul – a two-time skin cancer survivor. After years of skiing, snowboarding, and failing to wear any sunscreen caught up to him Christmas 2004, when Paul was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. What, at first, to be a pesky sore began growing up through the epithelial layer of his mouth, and through his nasal cavity. Unfortunately, the first round of “natural” treatments did not work. The squamous cell carcinoma returned. Yet, after several rounds of radiation, and serious re constructive surgery to repair his mouth and face, Paul's skin cancer was removed and he was deemed to be “cancer-free.”

Alas, Paul's skin cancer returned three years later. As of December 25, 2007, Paul had a two-inch tumor removed from his lower right jaw. The squamous cell carcinoma had returned. As such, the father of five is now undergoing six weeks of radiation treatment.

When Tiffany told me that Paul's skin cancer had returned, I was – in a word – stunned. I was reminded that we must not taking anything for granted—not even skin cancer!

While squamous cell carcinoma is generally 90-95% treatable when found in its early stages, it has the potential for metasis if left untreated. In other words, it can grow and spread to other parts of the body thus becoming potentially life-threatening. Hence, it is vitally important that we perform regular skin exams each month, and visit the dermatologist every year. Moreover, we must be vigilant about wearing an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen all year-round—even during the winter. So, winter sports enthusiasts beware – ultraviolet radiation is highly reflective off of water and snow. The UV exposure from above is akin to double-whammy; therefore, be sure to protect your skin—especially your face and mouth—with proper sunscreen. And remember, to reapply sunscreen at least once every two hours (every hour if you are skiing/snowboarding at particularly high altitudes for an extended period of time).

Consider the following statistics recently released from a study conducted by Patricia Ayanbadejo, a scientist for the Internet Journal of Dentistry and Primary Orofacial Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

“Squamous cell carcinoma of the orofacial region [mouth and face] is an insidious and potentially life-threatening malignant neoplasm representing more than 90% of all head and neck cancers”, Ayanbadejo says.

In layman's terms, this means that squamous cell carcinoma can be potentially deadly if left untreated, and that it accounts for nearly all head/neck-related cancers.

Yet, the good news is that since squamous cell carcinoma (like other skin cancers) is largely attributable to cumulative sun exposure, it is largely preventable. Skin cancer is preventable if we are proactive about proper sun protection—all day, every day, even on cloudy and cold days.

Ye winter sports enthusiasts have been warned. Take nothing for granted. Remember, ultraviolet radiation is reflective—highly reflective off of snow and water. Hence, it is imperative that you apply a quality broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body—especially your face and lips. To learn more about how ultraviolet radiation works, and the importance of proper application (and reapplication) of a quality sunscreen, please read the hyperlinked articles. For a free sample of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen to take with you as you hit the slopes (or whenever you venture outdoors), please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization at info@cancercrusaders.org

Skin cancer is preventable only if we are proactive about proper year-round sun protection, as well as regular skin exams. So, be sure to take the proper precautions NOW to protect yourself from a future skin cancer diagnosis. Parents of young children under the age of 18, should adequately protect their children from UV exposure especially since 80% of one's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18.

Additionally, if you have had skin cancer removed in the past, be sure and follow-up with your dermatologist-oncologist so to avoid recurrence. “Regular examination of the skin, especially of the head and neck if you have had orofacial skin cancers removed in the past is particularly important during the first two years of treatment, when 90% of recurrences develop,” says Ayanbadejo. “Local recurrence, or development of new primary tumors, is particularly common in patients who have been treated for cancer in the upper aerodigestive [lips, mouth, tongue, nose, throat, vocal cords, and part of the esophagus and windpipe] tract,” she says. “These patients are not only at risk for cancer in the head and neck region (recurrences and second primaries) but also of developing cancer in other parts of the body, particularly the lungs or esophagus.”

Again, skin cancer is preventable. Yet, it is also the most common cancer in the world. As such, it is imperative that we make sun protection a year-round affair, even during the winter months. While we may think that sun exposure will not directly effect us now, the cumulative exposure can—and does—lead to a heightened risk for skin cancer in the future. As Paul Berg once said in an interview conducted in 2005, after his second bought of skin cancer, “as kids we had no idea that the sun could hurt us.”

With that, take nothing for granted. Be proactive and protect your skin—all day, every day—for life! Skin cancer is not a summer-time only disease; rather, sun protection is a year-round affair.

For more information, check out the American Academy of Dermatology.

(Note: Special, updated edition of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources coming soon.)

An Introduction to The World's Most Common Cancer – Skin Cancer

2008-01-02T21:26:00.001-07:00

A Growing Epidemic

Recently, the National Cancer Institute reported that the overall cancer mortality in the United States has been slowly declining since 2006. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer have seen a reduction in number of deaths; however, melanoma—the most lethal form of skin cancer is continually on the rise. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that more than 1.3 million Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer this year alone. They further report that melanoma skin cancer kills more women in their 20s and 30s than any other cancer—even exceeding lung and breast cancer, which were once considered to be the two most common cancer-related deaths for women in 2005. To bring this issue into more stark perspective, melanoma skin cancer incidence in the United States has increased by more than 6,000% in the past century, according to the both the AAD; every hour someone in the United States succumbs to melanoma skin cancer.

Before we examine why the skin cancer rate is increasing by near epidemic proportions in the U.S., and abroad, we must first understand what skin cancer is; how it develops, the different types, the signs and symptoms, including risk factors.

As mentioned in a previous article, cancer is the uncontrolled growth of mutated, abnormal, and immature cells in the body. Therefore, simply put, skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of immature cells in the skin.

Skin Cancer Basics

That said, there are three basic types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma—the deadliest form. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, refers to the location from which the lesion derives. In other words, the encyclopedic definition of basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that originates in a layer of skin (the basal layer) beneath the epidermis (the top, uppermost layer). Basal cell carcinomas are typically seen as a raised nodule, much like a wart or a lump, or even as reddish scaly sore. Basal cell carcinomas may also have a glossy, pearl-like tone to them.1 While basal cell carcinomas seldom metastasize (spread), they can, if left untreated, spread to the lymph or blood vessels. Fortunately, basal cell carcinoma is 90-95% treatable if caught and treated while in its early stages.

The second most common form of skin cancer is, as mentioned earlier, squamous cell carcinoma. Akin to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma originates from epithelial tissue (a sheet of closely packed tissue that lines both external and internal bodily organs). Squamous cells are flat and often overlapping; they compose the epidermis and line certain internal cavities such as the mouth. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas usually appear on areas of the body that have been [over] exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Common areas for a squamous cell carcinoma to appear include the face (nose, inside/outside of the mouth), scalp, neck, ears, chest, hands, and legs. In rare instances, squamous cell carcinoma can be found in other parts of the body that are typically not exposed to UV rays (i.e., the prostate or vagina). Yet, in nearly all instances, squamous cell carcinoma appears as the result of prolonged, over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

You will notice that squamous cell carcinoma looks much like a sore. A persistent sore that will not heal after four or more weeks may be indicative of a possible squamous cell carcinoma. When in doubt, consult a board certified dermatologist. When properly treated, in its early stages, the cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma is approximately 90%. However, squamous cell carcinomas left untreated may spread to the lymph nodes and other surrounding areas, perhaps even becoming a malignant melanoma - an aggressive, and potentially lethal form of cancer.

Melanoma skin cancer may be the rarest form, but it is the most dangerous and lethal form of skin cancer. Whereas, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas share similar characteristics, melanoma is in a class by itself. It is an entirely separate form of skin cancer. Melanoma is also unique in comparison to other cancers in myriad ways. This is largely due to its particularly aggressive nature. In fact, more than 85% of skin cancer-related deaths are due to melanoma.

Once uncommon, melanoma kills more women in their 20s and 30s than any other form of cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In fact, we have seen a 10% increase in melanoma incidence since 2006. It is estimated that 105,750 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone, with more than 8,000 of those resulting in death. In other words, melanoma kills another American every hour.

Deadly, but Preventable

Despite these staggering statistics, melanoma – like other skin cancers – is largely preventable. Because more than 90% of skin cancers are caused by prolonged over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds, it is preventable. Yet, melanoma is a very serious, even potentially deadly form of cancer.

So as to provide you with a clearer understanding of what melanoma is, let us dissect it. If we cut word melanoma in half, we have two separate words – mela and noma. The root mela comes from the word melanocytes, which are cells in the skin (located beneath the epidermis) that are responsible for producing pigmentation. The latter half of the term – noma – comes from the word carcinoma, which is a term referring to cancers of the body's external tissues and organs such as the skin. In fact, skin is the largest bodily organ!

Contrary to popular belief, melanoma is not a disease restricted to individuals with fair skin. Anyone with skin is at-risk for melanoma. While it is true that fair-skinned persons are at higher risk for melanoma skin cancer (Caucasian-Americans are 20 times more likely than African Americans to develop melanoma), melanoma is not a respecter of persons. In fact, popular Jamaican Reggae singer Bob Marley died of malignant melanoma, at age 36. So, simply put, anyone can get melanoma. Hence, it is imperative that we are proactive about protecting our skin from over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and are equally proactive about monthly self-skin exams and annual visits to the dermatologist.

To learn more, check out ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. (Revised, Special edition due out soon!)

Copyright. Danielle M. White, The Cancer Crusaders Organization 2005-2008.

Cancer Crusaders Strike Gold Again

2007-12-10T14:57:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release: December 10, 2007
The Cancer Crusaders Organization
info@cancercrusaders.org

Cancer Crusaders strike Gold again with one-of-kind skin cancer program for youth

Provo, UTAH (December 10, 2007) – Winter hardly seems the appropriate time to be discussing skin cancer prevention, but The Cancer Crusaders Organization knows that sun safety is a year-round affair.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization, an all-volunteer non-profit skin cancer education facility for young adults based in Utah, announces that it will be honored with the prestigious Gold Triangle Award by the American Academy of Dermatology for excellence in dermatology education. This will be third consecutive year that The Cancer Crusaders Organization will receive the honor.

“When we started Cancer Crusaders, one of our main objectives was to introduce a national ribbon symbol for Skin Cancer Awareness,” says Danielle M. White, co-founder and president of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. “We also wanted to recruit young adults in the crusade against skin cancer by developing unique and interactive ways to appeal to them, inspire them, and educate them. [This way] they can then raise the next generation of sun-savvy youth.”

White, who established The Cancer Crusaders Organization with friend and colleague Natalie Johnson-Hatch, a former Miss Utah, says focusing on skin cancer is a message of hope.

“While skin cancer is the most common, and fastest growing cancer in the world, it is also the most preventable. In fact, 90-95% of skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds; therefore it is largely preventable!” White adds that since more than 80% of one's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, it is vital that we teach young adults now, so that when they become parents they can protect their children. "By educating youth, we can stem the tide of this growing epidemic," she says.

As such, White spent the better part of 2005 and 2006 developing a pilot program called ONLY SKIN DEEP? Peer Educator's Training and Certification Program, which featured interactive academic lessons, tools, and other materials to teach youth about skin cancer. The program was then launched in 2006 as a test run to train high school and college students to become peer educators. “The primary objective of this peer education program is to involve young adults; to train them to teach their peers about the importance of basic skin and environmental health, skin cancer prevention, and sun safety,” White said. Students, after completing the eight week course, were then asked to complete assignments, take a final exam, write an essay, and perform various community service projects where they taught others about what they learned through the peer education program.

“The test run was very well-received,” White said. “One of our students, a junior at Southern Utah University, hosted several skin cancer awareness events in her community. She even got the city mayor involved!” White says that this student's essay was “so impressive” that she included it in her recently published book about skin cancer. “We received such valuable feedback from the students who participated in the pilot run, we have been diligently working to update the program [to make it] available to all melanoma skin cancer foundations, educational facilities, even the AAD in 2008/2009.”

White continues, “the message of skin cancer prevention – how important it is to take the necessary precautions, such as year-round sunscreen use, avoiding tanning beds, examining your skin – tends to be more meaningful to youth when it is received by a peer. This is why we developed the first—and--only curriculum that trains youth to teach others about skin cancer.” White says that if high schools and colleges, as well as other melanoma skin cancer organizations, utilize this program, “we can really up the ante, so to speak, when it comes raising awareness and protecting people from this disease!”

For more information about the program, about the Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon, or the Organization itself, please contact us at 801.863.6351 or at info@cancercrusaders.org

###

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is a 501 [c] [3] non-profit founded in 2004 by Natalie Johnson-Hatch and Danielle M. White, and serves as the proud home of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol(R).

First Sun Safety Book For Children Released This Month

2007-10-15T12:13:00.000-06:00

News Release

A Book On Skin Cancer Prevention To Reach Children Soon

PROVO, Utah (October 11, 2007) - Skin cancer prevention is no longer just for adults; young children will now have an opportunity to read how to keep themselves protected. After a two year process, the first children’s skin cancer prevention book will be available Oct. 11 to students, teachers and parents everywhere.

The sun safety book, Skin Sense, is a publication focused on children’s awareness and prevention of skin cancer and sun damage. The book has been written for children ages two to eight and is hoped to reach young children across the nation. Along with preschools and daycares, the book will be sent to dermatology and cancer societies across the United States.
“Eighty percent of one’s lifetime’s sun damage occurs before age 18,” said Danielle White, co-founder and president of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. “We wanted to create a way for parents to understand why it is so important to protect their kids from skin cancer.”
White collaborated with Lori Glickman, a young mother from Florida, to create this book for elementary students.Glickman offered to do the project because she knew the importance of teaching children about sun safety now. Glickman’s 10-year-old daughter, Claudia Glickman, was recruited as the illustrator of the book to reach the children more effectively.
“Children have a great ability that once they understand a principle, it becomes a lifetime habit,” White said. “This book will teach them, and hopefully skin cancer prevention will become a lifetime habit.”
The book will be available through The Cancer Crusaders Organization to anybody who wants to increase awareness. All funds from the book are going to skin cancer education and training programs throughout the nation. The book will hopefully be used by teachers as a part of their curriculum. There are currently no required skin cancer education programs in Utah schools, where The Cancer Crusaders Organization is based, but the award-winning Organization is hoping this book will help change that quickly.
“I’d like to see all the preschools, daycares and elementary schools have a copy of the book,” White said. “The kids could check it out at the library and show their parents what they learned about prevention.”

To order copies of Skin Sense, please send a tax-deductible donation of $10.99 to The Cancer Crusaders Organization at PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603.

For a limited time only! Get a $1.00 off of your copy of SKIN SENSE, by purchasing it online here:

Press Contact:
Laura Bird
cancercrusaderspr@gmail.com

Danielle M. White
info@cancercrusaders.org

When Skin Cancer Hits Close to Home

2007-10-05T12:32:00.001-06:00

I receive numerous emails every week from patients and family members touched by skin cancer. Every time someone openly shares their story with me, my heart aches for them. If only there was a way from me to reach through the computer screen and give them a warm embrace; to hug them for as long as it takes for their pain to dissipate.

Today, however, when I received a email, accompanied with a picture, my reaction was more of shock as it hit particularly close to home. In fact, the shock and disbelief has me nearly paralyzed.

My friend, Carly's mom has skin cancer. "CathyMom" as I have affectionately called her for the past five years, has been diagnosed with a fast-growing form of squamous-cell carcinoma (the second most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer). Apparently what she thought was merely a pesky sore has been growing up through her nasal cavity and headed for her eye. Suddenly, a sense of deja vu hit me. It was three years ago when my friend Tiffany husband Paul (who is featured in my book ONLY SKIN DEEP?) was diagnosed with a fast-growing squamous cell carcinoma, as a result of pesky sore that too was growing up through his nasal cavity and headed for his eyes. Fortunately, Paul survived, but not without severe facial disfiguration (which, has actually been corrected thanks to Dr. Robert Hunter of Salt Lake City). And CathyMom's prognosis now is pretty good. She has to go in for another set of surgeries and tests, but the dermatologist believes he's "got it all" after multiple surgeries, biopsies, laser burns, and reconstruction.

I just couldn't believe my eyes when I ready CathyMom's email. Why didn't Carly call me? (Oh, yes, she is always the tough one who never wants anyone to worry). Why am I just barely finding out about it now, weeks later? (Yes, Cathy is the very same way. Like mother, like daughter).

After talking with CathyMom on the phone for about 45 minutes, I think that she's holding up better than I am. (Though, I didn't let her hear a tear in my voice.)

I just couldn't believe it when they told me that I had skin cancer! I thought to myself, I haven't had a sunburn or went tanning since I was a teenager. But, then again, I came from the generation that practically bathed in Baby Oil and burned ourselves to a crisp to get a tan. I was so vain, and now I'm paying the price for it. To think if I hadn't gone in when I did, I could be facing something even more serious like melanoma.

I explained to her that sun damage and the UV damage caused my tanning beds has a cumulative affect on our skin. Hence, the reason why it is so important that we protect our children from the sun and discourage young adults from frequenting tanning beds.

I have heard you and Natalie talk about it for several years now, but I don't think Carly and I really understood just how serious skin cancer is...but now, now I know.

I just wish that she didn't have to face a skin cancer diagnosis to realize just how serious skin cancer really is, and how vitally important it is for all of us to adopt a lifetime of proper sun safety (and avoid tanning beds) from day one.

Moments after talking with Cathy, and then with Carly (and reminicsing about our silly pageant days. Carly was first runner-up to Miss Utah 2005 and 1st runner-up at the National Sweethearts Pageant), I received another email from a woman in Pennsylvania was just diagnosed with malignant melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.

I have melanoma now because I've frequented tanning beds for the past 20 years. My vanity has caught up me, she said.

Immediately after reading this email, I received another one from a parent in Louisiana wanting to know if there were any interactive educational tools she could use to teach her kids about sun safety. I told her that our book SKIN SENSE was coming out next week; it's a colorful children's book written for kids ages two and eight. (Incidentally, I was informed by the EPA this week that their SunWise program has been cut, and now aren't any free public education programs for children about sun safety. It appears SKIN SENSE will be the only resource akin to it available).

At any rate, it never ceases to blow my mind just how many lives skin cancer touches. More than 1.3 million Americans will be diagnosed skin cancer this year alone, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It's the ONLY cancer that is rising. Yet, it is also the most PREVENTABLE cancer.

This morning I was thinking "What if I stopped doing skin cancer work? Would anyone even notice? Am I even making a difference?" You see, I recently lost my best friend (who wrote the afterword to my book). Oh how I miss her terribly! And so, this morning, while thinking about my dearly missed and beloved friend, I was thinking that perhaps I have nothing left to give to anyone including the skin cancer community, despite my good intentions (and the fact that I have so many projects on my To-Do List for skin cancer).

Perhaps, these emails I received today is Heavenly Father's way of saying "YES YOU DO HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE TO THE SKIN CANCER COMMUNITY! THERE IS STILL SO MUCH WORK TO DO TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM SKIN CANCER. SO, KEEP CRUSADING!"

And so I will... Even though I wonder if the work I'm doing is making a difference, I'm still fighting the good fight and praying that I can, in some small (yet significant) way protect someone else from having to face this disease. How can I tell Carly, whose mom has skin cancer, that I've given up, especially when I lost my own mother to [breast] cancer. I suppose, though I often doubt my ability to do any good in the world and feel heavy laden by the burdens upon my back, I cannot deny how compelled I feel to heed that prompting within that says "Keep Crusading! Keep Fighting the Good Fight." Though, it was my dear, dear friend and co-founder Natalie (a former Miss Utah) that really got this ball rolling, the cause for skin cancer prevention education has made a nest in my heart that continues to hatch and give me wings.

So, here's to my favorite would-be queen Carly Lynne and her mom Cathy, and all those touched by skin cancer --

God Bless,
Danielle.

The photo above is of Cathy just after her third surgery.

An Ounce of Prevention, worth a pound of Treatment

2007-09-28T17:33:00.000-06:00

I just barely came from the dermatologist's office. In fact, it was exactly 13 minutes ago. (My office is but a mere block away from my dermatologist's office - how perfectly convenient, especially when you're a patron of the public transit system.) Ironically, this visit to the dermatologist landed during our 1st Annual Dermatologists' Appreciation Week (this was not planned, by the way, though it definitely reeks of me.) Actually, I have been meaning to go the dermatologist for weeks. Every time I scheduled an appointment, some all-too-important project with an insanely pressing deadline would come up at work (you know, my "real job"; the one that pays the bills, because skin cancer crusading, though my life's mission, is what I do in my spare time - voluntarily). And, as such, I would have to cancel my dermatologist's appointment. Fortunately, the two new moles I found while performing my monthly self-skin exams didn't look atypical or suspicious; however, the sheer fact that they were new was cause for concern. Finally, my dermatologist called me on my cell phone and said "No matter what time of the day, I'll be available to get those moles taken care of, Danielle." In other words, "Drag your hind parts on over here, Danielle, NOW!"

And I did.

This morning, after getting out of the shower, I performed my monthly self-skin exam for September. I wanted to double-check those two new moles that I found earlier and examine all my other moles. I, thanks to both my mother and father, have numerous dysplastic (abnormal) moles and a high-risk for melanoma skin cancer. Additionally, melanoma is most common among women in their 20s and 30s, and since I'm 28 -- and a skin cancer educator, I wanted to be thoroughly prepared for my dermatologist's visit today. It was wise to examine my moles this morning. It turns out that one of the new moles I found (on my right thigh) had changed. In fact, it had grow rather large. And since ANY change in a mole - whether it be a previous mole or a new one - is a red flag, it was a good thing that I was going to get it cut off and biopsied today. Moreover, the other new mole (located behind my left knee), though it hadn't grown laterally across my skin, it apparently had burrowed beneath the epidermis (top uppermost part of the skin - the layer you can see) and the dermis (the layer skin just below) and into the subcutaneous tissue (the third layer of skin that contains fat and connective tissue and houses the larger blood vessels). YIKES! A mole that's burrowing beneath the skin and into the subcutaneous tissue is definitely cause for concern.

"Boy, am I so very glad you came in today and asked me to look at this mole on your leg, Danielle. It's deep. It definitely needs to be biopsied. The mole on your hip - the one that you said was changing, wasn't very deep, but it's definitely going to the lab. By the way, Danielle. Since I saw you last (in April), I have removed three melanomas off of women who are also in their 20s! I also removed a couple of suspicious moles off a little girl."

Then, Carrie the dermatologist, proceeded to excise an additional mole on my back.

"There is another one on your back, and that one on your left shoulder that you mentioned that I want to take care of when you come back in two weeks to get your stitches removed," she said. "In the meantime, these are going to lab."

"We caught the one on my leg early enough that it won't be an issue, right?" I asked.

"More than likely, the lab reports will come back clean like the others. Yet, if you hadn't come in today, I might be telling you something different. We may have had an issue on our hands," she said. "But, I know how vigilant you are about checking your skin, protecting yourself from the sun. I mean, you're the skin cancer crusader. You're apart of the American Academy of Dermatology! I don't worry too much about you delaying action on something suspicious. I'm just glad that my schedule was finally in-sync with yours so we can get this taken care of early, before it became something more serious."

(Did I mention that my dermatologist stayed after hours just to accommodate me? Oh, and yes, she even gave me her cell phone number so that I could call her "anytime day or night, if I have a concern about another mole" or if the excision spots "don't heal quickly and there's any sign of infection" Truly, this is a dermatologist who cares about her patients. And, it's an added blessing to have my dermatologist has become my friend. In fact, she wanted to know if I'd be in Vegas for the AAD meeting so we could "hang out together!")

Wow! Reflecting back on it all, I can't help but think...

If I had ignored it or dismissed it as "nothing" (which I sort of thought it was "nothing" except that it was new, and it was larger than 6mm), I may be facing more than a series of stitches and some soreness; rather, a possible melanoma diagnosis.

Ah, yet another testament to the necessity of monthly skin exams, as well as the importance of being willing to open your mouth and ask your dermatologists those important questions! Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. (I talk a lot about ways to build a relationship with your dermatologist and being your own best advocate in my book ONLY SKIN DEEP?)

With that, take a few minutes today, after getting out of the shower, to perform a thorough self skin exam. Take digital photos of your moles and start cataloging them to monitor any potential changes over time. (Don't forget to print these photos off, date them and catalog them). Get your spouse to help you out with those hard to reach places such as your back, backs of your legs and even your scalp (a common place for melanomas to appear). Write down any questions and concerns you may have for your dermatologist in a notebook and bring it with you to your next appointment. (I suggest keeping a record of all your dermatologist's visits - date, what happened during the appointment, and keep that information in the same notebook along with your questions and photos.)

It is just too important; you can't neglect your skin (or your body, in general). Remember - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment.

Here here.

Yours in the fight,
Danielle & The Cancer Crusaders Organization

(Note: Pictures of those moles Dr. Carrie removed today will be coming shortly).

PS: Ladies, here's an idea - since we all be going in for our annual mammograms next month (to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month), why don't you book an appointment with the dermatologist for your annual full body skin exams, too. This way, you're fighting off two deadly cancers in one month! Remember, breast cancer is important (I know, it killed my mother)and so is melanoma skin cancer. In fact, melanoma skin cancer is the only cancer that's on the rise. Yet, it's SO PREVENTABLE IF WE ARE PROACTIVE!

So, be proactive. Protect yourself. Check out your birthday suit and save your skin (and ultimately your life).

"Do-Gooder" Companies Supporting the Fight against Skin Cancer

2007-09-20T14:05:00.001-06:00

In most cases, I generally avoid perceived endorsements. As the co-founder of 501 [c] [3] non-profit skin cancer education facility, I want to be doubly sure that our efforts to educate youth and communities about sun safety and skin cancer prevention are done with pure intent. Those of us who are members of The Cancer Crusaders Organization volunteer our time, outside of full-time jobs and grad school, because we are passionate about protecting people from skin cancer. This cause is so near and dear to our hearts. We bleed orange-n-yellow for Skin Cancer Awareness!

Yet, who is to say that only non-profit organizations can contribute, with pure intent, to the fight against cancer? There are a few companies out there who are generously donating time, money, energy, resources and even their heart and soul toward protecting people, especially youth, from the world's most common cancer.

I would like to give a huge heartfelt round-of-applause to two such companies:

First, I would like to thank SKYShades of Florida. I recently received an email that told me about the wonderful contributions SKYShades has made toward building shade structures for Florida elementary schools. Here's the press release that was sent to me about SKYShades:

_______________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS DONATES $50,000 TO HELP IN THE PREVENTION OF SKIN CANCER!
_______________________________________________________________________

One Florida business is playing an active role in educating and building awareness on the importance of providing shade for children. SKYShades have donated two shade structures (totaling more than 50K!) to two lucky schools, Millenia Elementary in Orlando and Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida. Robert Black, Assistant Principal of Lyman High School, is over the moon with this donation - he says "Not only is it extremely serviceable [but] it looks fantastic!"

SKYshades, headquarted in Orlando, has helped many schools design and construct custom shade structures to protect their pupils from the scourge of skin cancer. "Our efforts here at SKYShades are to do all we can to increase awareness as well as promote prevention through the use of shade." says Joe McKenna, Executive VP of SKYShades.

Children between the ages of 2-4 are particularly vulnerable and with solar radiation being most intense from 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, the prime hours when youngsters and school personnel are outdoors on campus (during PE, recess & lunch), schools /child care centers and all education facilities need to take a more proactive stance in helping to curb this epidemic.

"Everyone in Florida needs to be aware of the potential harm that sun exposure can cause to us and our children,” says Vernon Sondak, M.D., chief of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. “We actively support efforts to increase sun awareness and sun protection. Sunscreens are only a part of sun protection - but they are an important part. It is important to remember that most of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18, so it is vital to teach your children good sun habits and protect them from sun damage as they grow."

In Australia, by Law, education facilities MUST provide shade for their students and this is something that the American government needs to consider here especially since melanoma is the only cancer that continues to increase each year.

All of SKYShades shade structures are designed and engineered for local wind codes and not only are they functional, but are also aesthetically pleasing.

SKYShades donates $100,000 annually toward building shade structures in communities throughout Florida.

###

That said, I would like to publicly praise Del-Ray Dermatologicals (the manufacturers of Blue Lizard Australian Suncream) for the tremendous amount of support they have given to skin cancer prevention over the years. In addition to supporting our effort to distribute copies of the ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources to skin cancer foundations and universities in high-risk states (the next edition will coming early 2008 and distributed accordingly), the CEO of Del-Day Dermatologicals spearheaded the "Sun Safe School" contest with the SHADE Foundation and has personally dedicated his life toward raising awareness for skin cancer. I have met Jeff, personally, and I'm a passionate Blue Lizard Suncream fan! Moreover, Del-Ray Dermatologicals continues to coordinate and collaborate with various organizations, including the Women's Dermatologic Society and the American Academy of Dermatology, in providing education, support, and advocacy on behalf of skin cancer prevention education!

That said, I would also like to thank UVSkinz, a new sun protection clothing company run by a woman who lost her husband to melanoma skin cancer, for contacting The Cancer Crusaders Organization about our children's book - SKIN SENSE (written by our friend Lori Glickmann) which is coming out October 8th. We will be distributing copies of SKIN SENSE to all the melanoma skin cancer foundations throughout the country to help teach parents and children about the importance of proper, lifelong sun safety.

If you know of a "Do-Gooder" - a skin cancer crusader (an individual or an organization) who is championing the cause of skin cancer prevention education, please feel free to email me at info@cancercrusaders.org

Three cheers to all our skin cancer heroes and champions!

Yours in the fight,
Danielle & The Cancer Crusaders Organization

(Note: The picture above is of the shade structure SKYShades built for Millenia Elementary in Florida).

--

Here's another company who is doing incredible work on behalf of skin cancer prevention/sun safety:

Business spotlight on Sun Smart PR

Owner: Missy Varner

Location: Home-based business in Bluegrass/Concord

Contact: 865-693-0915, 865-414-4985 or missyvarner@gmail.com

Web site: www.sunsmartpr.com

Today there are a variety of products, in addition to sunscreen, to protect you and your family from the sun's damaging UV rays, and Missy Varner is helping get the word out about them with her home-based business, Sun Smart PR.

A former teacher, Varner learned about sun-protective clothing while searching for clothing for her daughters - Abbey, 8, and Emily, 7 - on the Internet. A Web site looking for sales representatives for a sun-protective clothing company caught her eye, and she realized this could be her "niche."

"I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom who could help at my daughters' school and go on field trips, but I also wanted to do something I thought was meaningful but still allowed me to be available for the girls," said Varner, 37.

That was in 2004. Varner now represents 11 companies, all from the comfort of her Bluegrass/Concord home.

"I'm their middle man," Varner explained. "They send me samples, and I contact stores and take them the lines and show them. Then the stores place their orders."

Varner also helps publicize the companies by sending their press kits to parenting magazines and other media. Recent clients have been featured in national publications such as "Child," "Parenting," "Ladies Home Journal," "In Style" and "Parents."

"I'm not trying to compete with big PR firms; I only take companies in sun protection," she noted.

Sun protection includes everything from clothing and accessories to sunglasses and sunscreens, Varner said. She has a personal interest in the products because she and her husband, Mike, a director of engineering, are avid boaters, out on the lake every weekend when the weather is nice.

"I am very careful to protect my family from (the sun)," she said. "I always have researched sunscreen because I don't want to put something harmful on my kids."

Now the Varner family - and their friends - wears sun-protective clothing as well as sunscreen. Boasting a tight weave, a good fabric can block 45-55 percent of UV rays, Varner said.

The companies Varner represents offer clothing for men and women, boys and girls, infants to plus sizes. But as a mom to Abbey - who believes that "everything head to toe has to match" - Varner knows the importance in choosing clothing that your children are going to want to wear. The swimwear, for instance, is lightweight and dries quickly, plus it comes in "fun patterns" with pieces to mix and match.

"These modern products not only look fantastic, they also offer unbeatable protection against sun damage," Varner said. "Sun-protective clothing designers are revolutionizing the industry - they're making a fashion statement that actually saves lives."

"While sun-protective clothing has been popular in Australia for at least 20 years, the concept is just catching on the United States", Varner said. "Out West, sun-protective clothing is finding its way into major department stores, but here, it's more boutique-driven", she added.

"This isn't so well-known yet, so I get to educate (the public) on something worthwhile," she said.

After all, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society estimates that one in five Americans will face a diagnosis of skin cancer at some point, Varner noted.

"Most of the people I work for have been touched by skin cancer, and they all are doing this to raise awareness," she added. "One is a melanoma survivor who decided to develop a line of children's clothing."

Varner travels to trade shows and is considered an online expert on the subject of sun-protective products, she said. In addition to holding online seminars, Varner is open to speaking to local groups as well.

The biggest challenge, she said, is getting people to understand that it's no longer smart to shun sunscreen in favor of a tan.

"People still want that summer glow, and it's hard to get their minds to go the other way," Varner said.

Armed with awareness and education, though, Varner is working toward her goal.

"I would like to see sun-protective clothing in any store you go into," she said. "I want it to be just like a pair of jeans."

###

Sneak Peak: Skin Sense, a book for children

2007-09-17T11:56:00.001-06:00

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is pleased to announce the forthcoming debut of Skin Sense.

Written by our friend Lori Glickman a licensed clinical social worker and mother of three young daughters, Skin Sense is the first children's book (illustrated by a Glickman's 10-year-old daughter) that discusses the importance of lifelong sun safety and includes fun, interactive tips for year-round sun protection.

"This book was written with hopes of generating the desire in young children to want to protect their skin from the sun and for parents and teachers to want to protect their children," Glickman says. "Each child who is properly protected daily from the sun everyday is one less potential skin cancer statistic in our future.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80% of one's lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18. Skin Sense addresses the urgent need for parents, caregivers, and educators to teach children how to properly protect themselves from over-exposure to harmful UV rays. This book is an essential tool in the constant effort to teach children about sun safety and to significantly reduce the number of young adults in their 20s and 30s being diagnosed with melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.

This is what dermatologist Katherine Bell of Houston, Texas had to say about Skin Sense:

" [Skin Sense is] An accurate and important book, which grabs the attention of its young audience and impels them to want to protect their skin.”

Thanks, Lori, for writing such an important and much-needed book! Skin Sense is a must-have for any parent, grandparent, skin cancer crusader -- anyone who loves children and wants to protect them from this growing form of cancer.

Pre-order your copy of Skin Sense today by clicking on the icon button below:

The Cancer Crusaders Organization will be distributing copies of Skin Sense to skin cancer foundations across the nation. (More information to come soon.) In the meantime, if you have any children in your life - daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors -- this is the perfect book to help these children adopt a life of SunSavvy behavior; to protect them from the world's most common cancer. The holidays are coming soon, so get a copy of Skin Sense and make it a life-saving gift.

To be the FIRST to order a copy of Skin Sense from The Cancer Crusaders Organization, send an email to info@cancercrusaders.org. All proceeds will support the fight against skin cancer! (All payments are secure through PayPal and are tax-deductible).

As always, here's to being SunSavvy!
Danielle M. White, co-founder/president
The Cancer Crusaders Organization
& author of ONLY SKIN DEEP?

*Note: Official press release will come shortly. This is a sneak preview offered exclusively through The Cancer Crusaders Organization, a registered 501 [c] [3] non-profit skin cancer education facility. For more information or to make a donation, please contact us or send an email to info@cancercrusaders.org. Thank you for supporting the fight against skin cancer.

Understanding Ultraviolet Radiation and the necessity of a quality Sunscreen

2007-09-13T16:27:00.000-06:00

Since I wrote about Justice Roberts' stance on FDAregulations regarding sunscreen, I have received a variety of emails that indicate a general misunderstanding of sunscreens; how sunscreen works and why a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen is, in fact, a crucial part of savvy sun protection and reducing your risk for skin cancer.

So, here are some additional facts about sunscreens to reemphasize the the importance of regulating sunscreens; ensuring that manufacturers produce only the best, most effective sunscreens to provide optimum protection against ultraviolet radiation, and holding them accountable to the claims they make regarding the effectiveness of their sunscreen products.

Sunscreen Fact Sheet - Part II
FDA monograph and Australian sunscreen standard

(Note: The Australian standards on sunscreen efficacy are considered the strictest in the world. They require sunscreens have a minimum 5% zinc oxide and a minimum 5% titanium dioxide so as to reflect/deflect UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin.)

What are sunscreens?
Sunscreens are products that protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). They do this by using organic chemicals that absorb light and dissipate it as heat, as well as inorganic filters (blockers) that sit on the surface of the skin and act as physical barriers; or a combination of both.

Ultraviolet Radiation
There are three types of UVR:
• UVB - primarily responsible for sunburn and suntan. Long-term exposure leads to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
• UVA - primarily responsible for premature aging and skin cancers like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
• UVC - is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere.

What protection do sunscreens provide?
SPF 30 sunscreens filter 97% of UVB rays. In Australia, broad-spectrum sunscreens must protect against 95% of UVA rays. In the United States, there is no approved evaluation of UVA protection, therefore "broad-spectrum" labeling is open to interpretation. Consumers should be educated on the ingredients that provide UVA protection. Products that contain 5% or more zinc oxide provide excellent UVA protection.

Key points about sunscreens:

• No sunscreen is entirely waterproof/sweatproof. Sunscreen should always be applied to dry skin. All sunscreens start to come off during activity, therefore it is important that sunscreen be reapplied after towel drying. Products labeled as "waterproof" in the United States have completed an 80-minute still-water bath test. Products labeled as "very water resistant" in Australia retain their SPF after 240 minutes in moving water. Australia does not allow the use of "waterproof" or "sweatproof," and the FDA has asked for voluntary removal of such labeling on sunscreens here. In reality, it should be a mandatory removal of such labeling because it misleads consumers! (Note: Blue Lizard sunscreen says "very water resistant" by Australian standards).

• No sunscreen provides "all-day protection." As stated previously, chemical absorbers work by absorbing light, but they can be photo (sun)unstable. For example, Avobenzone loses 36% of its effectiveness within the first 15 minutes of sun exposure. Inorganic filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) adhere to the skin but can be removed during towel drying. Australia does not allow the use of "all-day protection." Moreover, the FDA has asked for voluntary removal of this label claim. This is why it is so important to reapply sunscreen. Not only does your skin, acting akin to a sponge, reach its saturation point after about two hours thus requiring another layer of sunscreen to be applied, reapplication helps maximize your sunscreen efficacy.

• High SPF sunscreens do not necessarily offer broader or better protection. SPF only indicates the amount of UVB protection a product provides and does not indicate how much if any UVA protection is provided. The consumer needs to understand that the specific formulation of the sunscreen determines the amount of protection provided. Zinc Oxide products (5% or higher) provide very photostable UVB and UVA protection. High SPF products (i.e. SPF 45, 55, 60) typically contain high levels of organic chemicals that can increase the potential for irritation and absorption, especially in children. Higher is not always better, which is why Australia limits SPF label claims to 30. If you consider that a SPF 20 is preventing 95 out of every 100 UV protons from penetrating your skin, than a SPF provides excellent protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30.

• No sunscreen offers complete 100% protection against the sun. Therefore products using the term "sunblock" are a misnomer as they allow some UV to penetrate the skin. A product that contains zinc oxide does provide blocking (reflective) capabilities but even zinc oxide, unless applied as a paste, allows a little UV light to penetrate the skin.

With that, it is important to understand how ultraviolet radiation works so as to further illustrate the seriousness of UV exposure (especially from tanning), it's direct link to an increased risk for skin cancer (and the fact that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world), hence the importance of sun safety and proper use of a quality SPF 30 sunscreen.

Furthermore, I have (with the help of the Environmental Protection Agency, the AAD, and ARPANZA and my good friend, Kathleen, a physicist at the University of Nova Scotia) compiled a list of common questions people ask about ultraviolet radiation, how it works, and its link to skin cancer:

Understanding Ultraviolet Radiation - Q&A

Q. What is solar ultraviolet radiation?

A. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is defined as the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 100 nanometers (nm) and 400nm. Ultraviolet radiation is classified by wavelength into three regions: UVA - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 315nm to 400nm is thought to contribute to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and has recently been implicated as a cause of skin cancer. UVB - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 280nm to 315nm is more dangerous than UVA and has been implicated as the major cause of skin cancers, sun burns, and cataracts. UVC - Ultraviolet radiation in the range 100nm to 280nm is extremely dangerous but does not reach the earth’s surface due to absorption in the atmosphere by ozone.

Q. How are people exposed to UVR?

A. Solar UVR is the single most significant source of UVR and can reach a person on the ground from three sources, directly from the sun, scattered from the open sky and reflected from the environment. This means that even if a person is shaded from the direct sun they can still receive substantial UVR exposure from the open sky. Also some ground and building surfaces are quite reflective to UVR including white paint, concrete and metallic surfaces. These surfaces can reflect UVR onto the skin and eyes. Reflective surfaces can reduce the effect of protective measures. There are also many types of artificial UVR sources, some of which emit high levels of UVR. Arc welders used in industry produce an intense UVR emission and workers exposed to welding radiation may suffer similar health effects to workers with over exposure to solar UVR. There are many other forms of artificial UVR sources such as fluorescent lamps, mercury vapor, metal halide and quartz halogen lamps used in industry, offices and in the home.

Q. How is UVR measured?

A. Broadband UV biometers and pyranometers are generally used to measure or monitor solar UVR. These instruments measure global solar UVR received on a horizontal surface from the entire hemisphere of the sky. Solar radiation includes both UVR transmitted directly and scattered UVR from the atmosphere, so the design of these instruments ensures measurement of both direct and diffuse radiation. These instruments can also be used to monitor changes in ozone levels and cloud cover effects by measuring changes in UVR irradiation levels.

Q. What are the effects of exposure to UVR?

A. The major organs at risk from exposure to UVR are the skin and eyes as the penetration depth of UVR is very short. Ultraviolet radiation can be produced by various artificial sources but for most people the sun is the predominant source of UVR exposure. For outdoor workers without adequate protection or control measures the levels of solar UVR may exceed the generally accepted exposure limits. Those who have been over-exposed to UVR may be unaware of their injury as UVR cannot be seen or felt and does not produce an immediate reaction. Over-exposure to UVR can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. The most obvious short-term effect of over-exposure to UVR is sunburn. The more UVR exposure, the worse the sunburn becomes. A person’s cumulative exposure to UVR along with the number of severe sunburns they have received, especially during childhood, increases their risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure causes the outer layers of the skin to thicken and long-term exposure can cause skin to wrinkle, sag and become leathery. Melanoma, the least common of the skin cancers but the most dangerous, may be related to severe exposure to solar UVR at an early age. Malignant melanomas may appear without warning as a dark mole or a dark “spot” on the skin. UVR exposure also places our eyes at risk of photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitus, ocular melanoma, and cataracts. Cataracts is one of the most common types of eye damage in Australia. Cataracts is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which is responsible for focusing light and producing sharp images. Without intervention, cataracts can lead to blindness.

Q. How can I reduce my risk from UVR exposure?

A. Increasing public awareness and interest in UV protection is due in part to the requirements for occupational protection of outdoor workers as well as the provision of UVR protection for the recreational market. Behavior outdoors can significantly affect a person’s solar UVR exposure and use of items of personal protection can provide a substantial reduction in the UVR dose received. Many forms of personal protection are available to reduce a person’s exposure to solar UVR. The best protection is to avoid peak hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 AM when the sun's rays are most intense, coupled with proper sun protection year-round (even on cloudy and cold days). When outdoors, wear sun protecting clothing with good body coverage (that is rated at UPF 30-50+), a wide-brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses and a SPF 15+ sunscreen. Over recent years interest has extended to shade structures and the UVR protection offered by commonly used materials such as shadecloth, plastic roofing materials, glass and window tinting films, even specially manufactured sun protective clothing.

Q. What is the UV Index?

A. Some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable; however, too much could be dangerous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn and long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun’s rays. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where low indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ means an extreme risk. Calculated on a next-day basis for every ZIP code across the United States, the UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground in different parts of the country.

UV Index Number Exposure Level
0 to 2 Low
3 to 5 Moderate
6 to 8 High
8 to 10 Very High
11+ Extreme

In closing this post, I assure you that I will continue to address the issue of proper sunscreen usage, sun safety, tanning, and other proven-effective methods of skin cancer prevention. With 90-95% of skin cancers resulting from over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning, skin cancer is largely preventable. Yet, in order to prevent skin cancer we must take proactive measures to protect ourselves and youth from it. The media and society, as a whole, may not recognize the seriousness of skin cancer and how incidence is growing at epidemic rates; however, I will continue to do bring this issue to light in hopes to not only raise awareness but convince people to protect themselves. We have a responsibility to do what is necessary to protect ourselves and others from skin cancer, especially when we can largely PREVENT it. The first step is proper education about skin cancer prevention. And the first step in preventing skin cancer (or, at least, significantly reducing our risk) is protecting our skin from over-exposure to damaging, even carcinogenic (cancer-causing) ultraviolet radiation. In turn, one of the most effective methods of protecting our skin from UV exposure is proper year-round use of a quality sunscreen.

Summarily, I'm not saying that we must become hermits and avoid going outdoors. I was raised in Southern California, and now live in Utah -- two places that enjoy the sun and outdoors. (Incidentally, two places with high incidences of skin cancer). I am saying, however, that we must be smart and SAFE about the sun (and avoid tanning beds) by properly protecting our skin from ultraviolet radiation. Perhaps, it is easier said than done. Or, perhaps, we need to be willing to take the proper precautions; to see skin cancer as a real disease that can kill (just like any other cancer) and that we can, perhaps, save someone from having to die from it -- even ourselves.

Keep those questions, comments, and emails coming, folks. I enjoy hearing from you. It helps me be a better skin cancer educator; to know what topics to discuss on the Blog, how to develop effective educational messages and tools, and better serve both the skin cancer community, as a whole, and most especially - YOU.

Your SunSavvy friend and advocate,
Danielle & The Cancer Crusaders Organization

"I use sunscreen everyday and always recommend it to my patients."
- Dr. Roger Ceilley,Iowa dermatologist
and past president of the American Academy of Dermatology

(Note: You can learn more about ultraviolet radiation and see graphics illustrating the aforementioned concepts in my book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources).

How YOU can help someone fight melanoma

2007-09-10T14:02:00.000-06:00

Our friends and colleagues at the Melanoma International Foundation asked us to help raise money for melanoma patients in need of care, treatment, and support.

Many insurance companies do not cover melanoma skin cancer surgery or treatments, and if you have ever had a loved one battle cancer you know the devastation chemo can cause physically, emotionally, and even financially.

That said, The Cancer Crusaders Organization is helping the MIF raise money to provide support for families touched by melanoma--the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer.

Please take a few seconds to read the story they just emailed me, and consider lending your support:

"Joe* and Mary* are two teachers in their thirties with three young children (pictured above). They never dreamed that they would be dealing with a serious illness in the prime of their lives. Joe was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma and immediately found himself in the fight of his life. After dealing with various chemo regimens locally, he wasn’t getting better. His best chance for the state of the art treatment options was to go to a top melanoma treatment center, a plane trip away. His wife called the hotline and discussed available treatments and how to make Joe’s fight worthy of their efforts. A hotline staffer at the Melanoma International Foundation listened to Mary’s fears and offered her comfort and support. Within days, arrangements were made for a flight to match his appointment at the treatment center and a comfortable hotel room nearby was booked. Joe is now equipped with the best resources to fight his disease and his specialist is working with the local oncologist to try another approach to fight his melanoma. Just as important, Joe and Mary have found constant support at MIF to answer their questions, listen to their fears and work with them as they travel on this difficult journey."

Regardless of your budget, you can make a difference for these patients. Please review the information below and see if any of the tax deductible donation levels match your ability to help us help others.

$10.00 - Gives a patient or family member a complimentary Skin Cancer Awareness pin courtesy of The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

$30.00 - Gives a newly diagnosed melanoma patient a complimentary copy of Catherine Poole's book Melanoma: Prevention, Detection and Treatment (2005 Yale University Press)courtesy of the MIF.

$45.00 - Gives a patient's family a supply of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen courtesy of The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

$50.00 - - Gives a newly diagnosed melanoma patient, in addition to Poole's book, complimentary copy of the special edition version of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources by Danielle M. White (which originally debuted #2 on Amazon.com in March 2007) coming soon through The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

$60.00 - Covers a weeks worth costs of maintaining a 24/7 live patient support hotline via the MIF.

$400.00 - Covers a patient's flight to treatment and one nights hotel stay courtesy of the MIF.

$600.00 - Full patient sponsorship through the MIF.

Please send your tax-deductible charitable contribution to:

The Cancer Crusaders Organization
PO Box 2076 Provo, Utah 84603

(Note: In the memo box, please specify "Patient Support" and we will make sure your donation is earmarked and delivered accordingly).

You can also contact the MIF directly at info@melanomaintl.org to inquire about their specific programs, such as the Patient Support Program.

Thank you for support! Every bit helps saves lives from this deadly, but PREVENTABLE disease!

Yours in the fight,
Danielle M. White
The Cancer Crusaders Organization

PS: Please note that any of the items that read "courtesy of" are items offered specifically through that particular organization. All donations for the MIF Patient Support Program will be given to the MIF for that expressed purpose. For questions about how The Cancer Crusaders Organization is helping the MIF raise funds for patient care/support, please send an email to info@cancercrusaders.org. Thank you, and remember to be SunSavvy!

Ban the Tan!

2007-09-07T11:33:00.000-06:00

Yes, folks, I am, once again, revisiting the subject of indoor tanning; the dangers associated with tanning and the subsequent increase of melanoma skin cancer among women in their 20s and 30s. It is a subject I’m passionate about (and, besides, this is a Blog about skin cancer prevention).

I received an email from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently that included an article that headlined "Palm Beach Tan® In-Lobby Video, 'Life Needs Color', Wins Two Prestigious Telly Awards". My initial reaction was disbelief - We are applauding indoor tanning and encouraging its use? WHAT?! Granted, the awards were given likely based on advertising creativity and commercial broadcasting. Nevertheless, the fact we are promoting the use of tanning beds without taking into consideration the dangers associated with it is, to me, not only irresponsible but perhaps even morally questionable. Is it not unethical to perpetuate the illusion of a “safe tan” when, in fact, it is biologically impossible to achieve a “safe tan”? Regardless of whether or not a tan is considered ideal, it doesn’t mean that it is safe. Because, well, it’s not safe. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A tan is your skin's way of saying "I have sustained damage"; therefore, tanning is dangerous.

I am suddenly reminded of a 15-year-old girl who, during a public meeting in Northern Utah last year (when discussing legislation to limit minors' use of indoor tanning beds) unabashedly exclaimed:

“It's my right be tan [...] At least I will die beautiful!"

(I could not help but think, “It’s your right to die young?”)

Truth be told, not everyone who has used a tanning bed will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Yet, it is a FACT that exposure to ultraviolet radiation, over time, has cumulative effects including weakening of the elasticity in your skin, expedited aging and wrinkling and freckling, weakening of the immune system and MELANOMA. In fact, ultraviolet radiation has been identified as a known carcinogen, meaning that it’s cancer-causing. UV rays have cumulative effects on a variety of biological systems one of which is a heightened propensity toward developing melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.

After working with the skin cancer community over the past several years, and teaching thousands of high school and college students, it never ceases to frighten me when I hear statements such as the one above; to learn that many young adults really don't think that skin cancer is a serious health concern not to mention that it can actually kill.

I am reminded of Charlie Guild. Charlie was 24 and preparing to go to medical school when she succumbed to malignant melanoma. Her mother, Valerie, with whom I worked on getting legislation regulating minors' use of tanning beds passed here in Utah (Valerie really championed this bill, which passed earlier this year), once told me: "I can still remember hearing Charlie tell her friends 'it's just skin cancer [...] no one really dies from skin cancer'." Well, Charlie had been diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer -- melanoma, which is known as one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

Often, when I'm giving a skin cancer presentation or hosting a training seminar, I mention melanoma warriors such as Charlie, Colette, and Scarlet -- bright and beautiful young women who, like me, were in their 20s but melanoma came and them of their future. I also share the stories of melanoma survivors such as 24-year-old MaryAnn Gerber and Brittany Leitz, the former Miss Maryland, and former professional body-building-turned-five-time-melanoma-champion Robin Lawrence. Robin, who lives in fear she won't see her daughter graduate high school, has spoken candidly about her quasi love affair with tanning beds while in her 20s, and how that cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation has contributed to hundreds (and counting) of biopsies.

“The question I kept asking myself was 'Why me?’” Lawrence says. "After looking back on my life, I realized I had only myself to blame. But I can honestly say that when I was growing up, I knew very little about the dangers of tanning or the threat of skin cancer. It's so ironic that my pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle was what would eventually come back years later to threaten my life." (Learn more about Robin in ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources.)

I think about these young women, who thought tanning was safe, and have since had a brush with an aggressive and lethal (but preventable) cancer. I share their stories with other young adults while giving a seminar on skin cancer prevention, sun safety, and skin care. Yet, I wonder how much of this information actually sticks; how much of it stays with my students? I can see their shock and sorrow when they see pictures of these melanoma warriors (such as Joanne pictured above) and even cry when they hear about the struggle and tragedy these melanoma warriors faced. Yet, I wonder how long those feelings last. They are reconsidering using a tanning bed now, because the image of this woman who has battled melanoma and the story of a 28-year-old mother of brand-new baby have touched their hearts and opened their eyes, but will they remember? Will it be enough to change their behavior?

I wonder –

What’s it going to take to convince people? I realize that people have a choice, but if I could effectively emphasis the seriousness of this disease; that it is preventable, but we must take proactive steps to try and protect ourselves from it and, if we don’t, we pay the ultimate price – an untimely death. If only I could bridge the gap between awareness and action; how do I make young people realize that tanning isn’t worth the risk?

These are a few (of the many) questions I wrestle with each day as I strive to develop new, more effective ways of teaching skin cancer prevention.

Generally, I prefer not to use scare tactics; rather utilize the personal touch and focus on real people, their emotions, their values, and their relationships. Hence, I share the stories of real people who have suffered melanoma and their personal battles with this horrible, devastating (yet PREVENTABLE) cancer.

However, I remember how the pictures of disfigured melanoma patients dramatically affected one particular young woman during a skin cancer prevention I hosted with Dr. Glen Bowen of Huntsman Cancer Institute last year –

As a former pageant girl, I invited the then Miss Utah Julia Bachison (a good friend of my co-founder, Natalie Johnson-Hatch, also a former Miss Utah) to be our Mistress of Ceremony; our event hostess. In addition to giving a presentation on skin cancer, we also celebrating the passing of a piece of legislation regarding sun safety education here in Utah, and wanted the "Queen of Utah” to kick off our event. Julia was gracious enough to stay for the entire event and listen to Dr. Bowen's presentation on skin cancer -- a presentation that squelched any desire she had to use a tanning bed again. Dr. Bowen's presentation featured pictures of patients who, because of skin cancer, suffered severe disfiguration. Many of these patients used tanning beds and the cumulative of ultraviolet radiation led to a battle with skin cancer. One patient lost an eye due to ocular melanoma. It broke my heart to know that so many of these people could have avoided a brush with melanoma, if only they knew about proper sun safety, the dangers of tanning, and the importance of dermatologic health. Julia, on the other hand, reacted somewhat differently to these "graphic" photos. She shuttered and gasped at the sight of these patients, even buried her face into my shoulder and vowed "I will never use a tanning bed again!" Julia was scheduled to compete at Miss America the following week, where the golden bronze look is coveted. Yet, Julia chose to follow in the footsteps of her friend and mentor - her favorite Miss Utah Natalie Camille Johnson the Skin Cancer Crusader who went to Miss America without tan. Julia did sport the bronze courtesy of a sunless tanning mousse, not a tanning bed, and won the preliminary Lifestyles and Fitness Award. The images of real people suffering from a real disease - PREVENTABLE cancer - had a profound and lasting effect on Julia. She was convinced that tanning is, in fact, dangerous; she realized that it is certainly not worth sporting a so-called "healthy glow" to put herself at risk for cancer. As Julia put it:

"It is ultimately self-defeating. You're tanning to look good, but it can later cause premature aging and, if you're diagnosed with skin cancer it can cause severe disfiguration and even kill you!"

And that's the bottom-line. Tanning does increase one's risk for melanoma skin cancer and melanoma can – and does – kill. In fact, melanoma kills another person in the U.S. every hour.

BUT IT IS PREVENTABLE!!!

Sometimes I feel like a broken record, but it is important to emphasize and re-emphasize that skin cancer is PREVENTABLE. Personally, my stream of logic is: If you can eliminate (or significantly reduce) your risk for cancer than by all means do it, especially when the preventative measures are as simple as: AVOIDING TANNING BEDS, along with monthly self-skin exams; annual visits to the dermatologist; regular (and proper) daily use of sunscreens throughout your life all-year-round; wearing UV protective wrap-around sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing.

Is it that it's just too simple? Or is it the media inundating us with misinformation, misnomers and myths, and other mixed messages that has created a lingering cloud of confusion and disillusionment, thus making light of a very serious – and growing – issue? If so, may I suggest that youth who remain undeterred in their quest for coveted bronze-skin, to consider the source of the information you hear regarding tanning. Your board-certified dermatologist who went to medical school will tell you that there is no such thing as a safe tan. Yet, the tanning industry will use phrases such as "tanning in moderation" or "tan responsibly", which are minor attempts at issuing warnings without admitting the dangers outright. The only way to tan responsibly is to NOT TAN! Tanning beds are not viable tool for treating acne or Seasonal Affective Disorder, or any other condition. They are dangerous. The cumulative effects can lead to melanoma. So, why risk it? If simply must heed to your inner desire to surrender to the unrelenting pressure to look like Lindsey Lohan, then use a quality sunless tanning mousse - it won't cause premature aging and it certainly won't put you at risk for a lethal skin cancer.

Occasionally, I will receive an email from someone who accuses of me of being antagonistic toward the indoor tanning industry. And if I have been antagonistic, I apologize. Let us not fight fire with fire. If we attempt to fight extinguish a grease fire with water, we will only get burnt. (No pun intended).

I will never forget an email I received three years ago, from a tanning salon owner, who highlighted an excerpt from a newspaper article featuring my dear friend/co-founder's brother who, at age 21, succumbed to complications associated with a malignant melanoma. In the email they said, "The doctors killed him not the melanoma". In an attempt to deter me from discussing the dangers of tanning, I was heartbroken to read those malicious words but I was swayed; rather I was reminded that I have a great deal of work to do with regard to skin cancer prevention education. We all do.

In truth, this is not about playing sides or making anyone look bad; to attack the indoor tanning industry. This is not about hampering or hindering one's ability to make a living and run a successful business. I'm a big proponent of the entrepreneurial spirit. [Yet,]I'm an even bigger proponent of protecting and serving people; improving their overall quality of live. As the Hippocratic oath states "o practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients, and to try to avoid harming them" I will do what I can to help protect people, especially youth, from a preventable cancer. I’m not a doctor, but I am fiercely loyal to the dermatologists who strive all day, every day to protect their patients from skin cancer, and I remain dedicated to teaching people about it. Part of the rent I pay here on this earth is to serve others and this is one of the ways I try to serve. May I serve well, God-willing, and perhaps touch someone's life for the good.

Yours in the fight against skin cancer,
Danielle

Protecting Our Skin - Where do you stand?

2007-09-04T18:21:00.000-06:00

The FDA has been sauntering on the issue of sunscreen regulation for nearly 30 years. Yet, the Environmental Protection Agency recently sent an email blast to members of its SunWise program that included a news report mentioning the FDA is finally moving closer toward an official position on monitoring sunscreen manufacturers. (Can we say, "It's about time?")

Granted, with any talk of regulations comes controversy. This ought not surprise me. The cosmetics industry fears that their interests may be crimped or hindered and retail stores worry how this may effect them, as well. In truth, however, it is absolutely vital and essential that FDA have a recognized and universally acceptable standard by which sunscreens are measured, thus providing consumers with effective protection against both UV-A and UV-Br rays, as well as accurate and clearly understandable information and, in turn, peace of mind. After all, the Australian government has issued standards regarding sunscreens. They require that sunscreens have [minimum] 5% titanium dioxide and [minimum] 5% zinc oxide so as to provide optimal broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet radiation. So, why shouldn't the United States have standards on sunscreen, especially since melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills another American every 68-minutes. And, isn't it the job of the FDA to establish guidelines and standards to protect the consumers; to hold companies accountable to their consumers?

That said, I recently came across an interesting comment written by Amanda Hanley of Massachusetts regarding this very issue:

"Chief Justice John Roberts doesn't believe sunscreens need to be regulated. Apparently he has all the protection he needs -- we hear those robes offer excellent skin cancer prevention.

In the 29 years that the FDA has been wavering on sunscreen regulations, the cosmetics industry has used some pretty crazy tactics to prevent them from passing. In 2001, for example, they hired a lawyer to threaten a lawsuit. The proposed regulations, the lawyer argued, violated the first amendment.

In 2005, that lawyer took his seat as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

That's right. As recently as 2001, Justice John Roberts was lobbying on behalf of the cosmetics industry -- a fact he failed to disclose during his hearings. Not only was Justice Roberts lobbying for the cosmetics industry, but he successfully blocked regulations that may have prevented countless cases of skin cancer.

And this is the man running our Supreme Court. Doesn't it just make you feel all safe and cozy?

Hopefully, without Roberts defending them this time around, the cosmetics industry won't be able block the FDA's recently proposed sunscreen regulations. In the meantime just follow Roberts' lead for skin cancer prevention: stay inside and swing decisions to the right."

While I generally refrain from mixing politics with skin cancer crusading (skin cancer prevention ought to be about protecting people from harm, not about politics), I must admit that it baffles me to hear that a public servant, a community leader would be opposed to supporting measures that protect people and their health. Then again, when collaborating with other skin cancer crusaders on behalf of regulating minors' use of tanning beds we encountered opposition there, as well. (Thank you to Senator Pat Jones who helped pass legislation here in Utah).

Needless to say, do you know where your leaders stand on issues related to skin cancer prevention, tanning beds, melanoma research, insurance and patient care, sun safety education, and sunscreens?

If you support the FDA in its efforts to ensure consumers - YOU - will have quality sunscreens that provide optimum protection, require that sunscreen manufacturers adhere to strict standards of quality and truth in advertising, and would like to know that you are "getting what you pay for", then I encourage you make your voice heard. Speaking up about issues that are near and dear to you is not being obnoxious or contentious as some of my students may sometimes think; rather, it is part of raising awareness for a growing yet unnecessary epidemic -- skin cancer.

Let us not engage in a battle of wits, per se, and become entangled among legal jargon/rhetoric regarding whose self-interests are at stake. Quite frankly, I believe that sunscreen regulations would actually benefit all involved -- the cosmetics industry, retail stores and distributors, as well as consumers. It is in everyone's best interests to have regulations regarding quality sunscreens. And, truth be told, the real bottom-line is about taking steps to protect people from skin cancer. With 1.3 million Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and 90-95% of those being preventable with proper sun safety precautions (such as the proper and year-round use of a SPF 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen) this issue is too important to be lost amid politics and special interests.

Two years ago, while at a dermatology conference, I had the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with a woman from the Cosmetics Toiletries and Fragrances Association and a gentleman from Neostrata about ingredients used in sunscreens. It is interesting to note what different industry members have to say regarding this matter. In sum, nearly all credible skin care companies, along with skin cancer educators and health advocates, agree that to wait 30 years for FDA regulations regarding quality sunscreens is ridiculous. We simply cannot afford to delay action on this issue. The subject of choosing an effective sunscreen and how to maximize sunscreen efficacy is an issue I am passionate about. If you share that passion, I encourage you share your thoughts with the FDA. Another day that passes, another 24 Americans succumb to melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Yet, skin cancer is PREVENTABLE! So, let us do all we can to work together to prevent it where/when possible. This is about saving lives from a growing yet unnecessary epidemic, right? Therefore, I encourage you to research this issue further, and to be proactive about proper sun safety and dermatologic health.

Constantly Crusading,
Danielle & the Cancer Crusaders

PS: Huntsman Cancer Institute conducted an evaluation of all the sunscreens on the market, studying their ingredients and cost-per-ounce. For more information, contact the Tom C. Mathews Jr. Familial Melanoma Research Clinic at HCI. You can also check out the sunscreen database.

Uncovering the Facts about Sunscreen

2007-08-30T13:42:00.000-06:00

Since I extended the offer to disburse free samples of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen out, many individuals across the country have taken me up on the offer. And, as such, I have received numerous questions about sunscreens (not to mention 100% positive feedback about Blue Lizard).

My recent Blog entry - Maximizing Sunscreen Efficacy, discusses what ingredients to look for, and how to ensure you're getting optimum protection. Yet, here is a list of commonly asked questions about sunscreens that many people ask:

1. Who needs to use sunscreen?
In a word -- EVERYONE~ Regardless of skin color or skin type, everyone needs sunscreen! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Dermatology recognize six different skin types.

I. Always burns easily, never tans, is extremely sun sensitive skin. Red-headed with freckles. Irish/Scots/Welsh.

II. Always burns easily, tans minimally, is very sun sensitive skin. Fair-skinned, fair-haired, blue or green-eyed. Caucasians.

III. Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, is moderately sun sensitive skin. Average skin.

IV. Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, is minimally sun sensitive Mediterranean-type/Caucasians.

V. Rarely burns, tans well, isn't sensitive to the sun. Middle Eastern, some Hispanics, some African-Americans.

VI. Never burns, deeply pigmented, isn't sun sensitive. African-Americans.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum (protects against UV-A and UV-B rays) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used year-round. (Ideally SPF 30). Remember, everyone is at risk for skin cancer!

2. When should sunscreen be used?

Sunscreen should be used every day (even on cloudy and cold days) if you are going to be outside for more than 20 minutes, and should be reapplied every two hours. Daily, regular use of SPF 15 sunscreens actually allow some repair of surface-level damage to the skin (i.e, wrinkles and premature aging). It is important to properly apply sunscreen and to reapply it daily. The sun’s reflective powers are great – 17% off of sand and concrete; 80% off of water and snow. And remember that even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds.

3. How much sunscreen should be used, and how often should it be applied?
Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms, back of the neck, and tops of the feet, and be coat the skin liberally. One ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is the amount needed to adequately cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Be careful to cover exposed areas completely – a missed spot could mean a patchy, painful sunburn. And don’t forget that lips get sunburned, too! Be sure to apply a lip balm that contains SPF of 15 sunscreen. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, and they should be reapplied after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even so-called water resistant sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 80 minutes in the water. Don’t forget that sun exposure occurs all the time, even while you’re taking a short walk on a cloudy day. (For children six months an older, reapply sunscreen every 1 - 1.5 hours if in the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.).

4. What type of sunscreen should I use, and what ingredients should I look for?

There are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be quite confusing. Sunscreens are available in many forms including ointments, creams, gels, lotions and wax sticks. The type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. Ideally, sunscreens should be rated at an SPF of 15 or higher (SPF 30 is the best) and provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UV-B and UV-A rays. Ingredients which provide broad-spectrum protection include; titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates,and avobenzone (Parsol 1789). (*Note: According to Australian standards, which are considered the strictest in the world, the best protection ingredients include a minimum 5% of titanium dioxide and minimum 5% of titanium dioxide).

5. Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year? Does it lose strength?

Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. Though, most dermatologists and skin cancer educators recommended replacing your sunscreen every year. Keep in mind that if you are using the appropriate amount of sunscreen every day (and reapplying it) a bottle of sunscreen should not last you very long. Approximately one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly.

6. What is the difference between UV-A and UV-B (ultraviolet) light wavelengths and will a sunscreen protect me from both?

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays – UV-A rays and UV-B rays. The UV-B rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn and both basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas (the two more common forms of skin cancer). UV-A rays penetrate deeper into the dermis (the base layer of the skin). UV-A are the more the more dangerous, as they can penetrate through window glass, and are primarily responsible for melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer. Both UV-A and UV-B rays can cause suppression of the immune system which helps to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer. Since PABA and PABA esters only protect against UV-B rays, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also protects against UV-A rays. Ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide extend the coverage beyond the UV-B range and into the UV-A range, thus providing broad-spectrum protection.

7. What is an SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are rated, or classified, by the strength of their SPF. The SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as two to greater than 30. These numbers represent the ability of a sunscreen formula to deflect ultraviolet radiation. Yet, keep in mind, that SPF 30 is considered ideal. (Technically, sunscreens rated higher than SPF aren't molecularly more potent). If you consider that a SPF 20 is preventing 95 out of every 100 UV protons from reaching your skin, then a SPF 30 is providing about 95-98% worth of protection. The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. Dermatologists strongly recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an minimum SPF 15 year-round for all skin types.

8. Does SPF 30 have twice as much sun protection as SPF 15?

SPF protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. In higher SPFs, such as an SPF of 30, 97% of sunburning rays are deflected, while an SPF 15 indicates 93% deflection. (A SPF 5 provides less than 50% protection). Note: Research reported by the AAD suggests higher SPF sunscreens (such as SPF 15 or SPF 30) are an appropriate choice for very sun sensitive individuals (skin types I and II). One study determined that skin protected by an SPF 15 sunscreen and then exposed to 15 times the minimum dose of sunlight normally required to cause redness produced 2.5 times the number of sunburn cells seen in SPF 30 protected skin with the same dose of sunlight. These results suggest that prevention of redness does not necessarily mean prevention of all sun-induced damage. More research is currently underway on the protective effects of sunscreens on different skin types.

9. What is the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock?

Since sunscreens can now either chemically absorb UV rays, or deflect them, the term sunblock is no longer used. (The term "sunblock" is a misnomer). It’s important to find a sunscreen that offers both UV-A and UV-B (broad-spectrum) protection and includes ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

10. Is sunscreen application all I need to do to protect myself from the sun?

Because overexposure to ultraviolet light is the primary cause of melanoma, dermatologists recommend the following precautions:

• Avoid the being in the sun during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Seek shade whenever possible. Remember: "No shadow…seek the shade!" If your shadow is shorter than you are, the damaging rays of the sun are at their strongest and you’re likely to sunburn.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15; apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially when playing, gardening, swimming or doing any other outdoor activities. Sunscreens should not be used to increase the time spent in intense sunlight or instead of protective clothing.
• Wear sun protective protective clothing (rated at a UPF 50+) including a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap-around UV protective sunglasses.

Note: A number of studies have confirmed that repeated sunburns substantially increase the risk for melanoma skin cancer. This is especially true for childhood sunburns because there is more time and opportunity for subsequent sun damage to lead to melanoma.

11. Is there a safe way to tan?

There is NO safe way to tan! A tan is the skin’s response to an injury. Tanning occurs when ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin’s inner layer, thus causing the skin to produce more melanin as a response to the injury. Chronic exposure to the sun results in a change in the skin’s texture causing wrinkling and age spots. Thus, tanning to improve appearance is ultimately self-defeating. Every time you tan, you accumulate damage to the skin. This damage, in addition to accelerating the aging process, also increases your risk for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma.

12. Are tanning booths a safer way to tan?

Again, there is no such thing as a safe tan. In spite of claims that tanning booths offer "safe" tanning, artificial radiation carries all the risks of natural sunlight. Tanning booths emit UV-A radiation, which poses both short and long-term risks to the skin, including cataracts (eye damage), sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging. In addition, there can be damage to the body’s immune system and induce allergic reactions to certain fragrances, lotions, moisturizers and medications. Many tanning salons are unregulated, allowing customers access to tanning beds without supervision or even eye protection. The American Academy of Dermatology supports local and/or statewide indoor tanning legislation that bans minors from using tanning devices. In addition, this legislation usually requires that warning signs be prominently displayed in tanning salons and list the hazards of such exposure, among other possible regulatory provisions. We also support legislation regulating minors' use of tanning beds.

13. How do I treat a sunburn?

There are several types of sunburns (ranging from first to third degree burns) and burn treatments. Remember, that while you may not immediately see the effects of overexposure to the sun the cumulative effects do significantly increase your risk for skin cancer. The two most common sunburns are first-degree burns and second degree burns. First-degree sunburns cause redness and will heal, possibly with some peeling, within a few days. These can be painful and are best treated with cool baths and moisturizers or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. Avoid the use of "-caine" products (such as benzocaine), which may cause sensitivity to a broad range of chemicals. Aspirin taken orally may lessen early development of sunburn, but should not be used in placement of regular sunscreen use. Second degree sunburns blister and can be considered a medical emergency if a large area is affected. When a burn is severe, accompanied by a headache, chills or a fever, seek medical help immediately! Be sure to protect your skin from the sun while it healsm and everyday thereafter. That said, let it be re-stated that studies have found sunburns are linked to an increased risk for melanoma, especially if you suffered severe childhood or adolescent sunburns. Just one blistering sunburn as a child can nearly double your risk for skin cancer as an adult.

14. How much sunscreen should I apply to my skin each day to make sure I am covered?

Considered the country’s authority on the proper use of sunscreens, Dr. Elma Baron of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, strongly recommends using an ounce of sunscreen (or the equivalent to the amount that would fit into the palm of your hand). With that, it is imperative to remember to apply sunscreen on EVERY part of your body that is [potentially] exposed to UV rays. Places such as your ears, behind your neck, your back, the backs of your calves, your toes, are all places that are commonly neglected. If you have trouble reaching certain parts of your body, get your spouse or your best friend to help you apply sunscreen. Make it a team effort to protect each other from the sun!

15. Which sunscreens on the market today are best for my budget?

Dr. Sancy A. Leachman, deputy director and principle investigator at the Tom C. Mathews Jr. Familial Melanoma Research Clinic at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, has put together an exhaustive and accurate spreadsheet that lists every sunscreen product imaginable; lists them by the amount of essential protective ingredients each products incorporates in its sunscreen formula, the level of SPF it provides, and how much the product cost per ounce in comparison to its competitors. To reference Dr. Leachman’s An Ounce of Prevention sunscreen spreadsheet, send an email to info@cancercrusaders.org or contact Dr. Leachman at Huntsman Cancer Institute at 2000 Circle of Hope in Salt Lake City, Utah.

16. Are men or women better about regular sunscreen usage?

It is interesting to note results from a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology in May 2005; the survey reported that teenage boys are the least likely of all Americans to use sunscreen. Only 32%of teenage boys aged 15-to-17 reported taking regular precautions against over-exposure to UV-rays. Similarly, the U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., MPH, reports that another survey, recently conducted by the Sun Safety Alliance, reflects that sunscreen usage among Americans in their 20s and 30s is decreasing. It decreased from 72% in 2005 to less than 60% today. Additionally, the study reports that despite the fact 85% of middle-aged women know “the dangers of overexposure to the sun and believe skin cancer is a serious issue" they fail to properly and regularly use sunscreen. In fact, more than 60% of Americans suffer at least one blistering sunburn ever year. This is not only perplexing, but concerning especially since at least 90% of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation!

17. I want to remember to use my sunscreen – Do you have any ideas on how I can do that?

We have several ideas about how to incorporate a regular practice of proper sunscreen usage so as to foster a permanent lifelong habit. To mention a few:
Consider placing a bottle of sunscreen in your make-up bag or by your bathroom sink (right next to your toothbrush/toothpaste). Consider getting a bottle of sunscreen that has a key ring on it and fastening it to your house and/or car keys. Put post-it notes on your mirrors or on the front door that read: STOP! Put on your sunscreen right NOW! until it becomes so that you don’t even have to “think” about it because you are doing it all the time anyway; it becomes automatic… it becomes a habit! You can also tell your room-mates, your friends, or your loved ones, to give you friendly reminders. (Be aware that these little friendly reminders may seem annoying, but just remember you asked for it!)

18. Does sunscreen, especially sunscreen usage as a child, really reduce your risk for skin cancer?

Approximately, 80% of our lifetime sun damage is sustained during our first 18 years of life, therefore making a habit of daily, year-round sunscreen usage beginning in childhood is good common sense. And, yes, sunscreen use in children can lower one’s risk for skin cancer in the future. “Sunscreen has always been an important part of an overall sun safety regime to protect the number of sunburns, especially for children,” reports dermatologist Jason K. Rivers of the University of British Columbia Department of Medicine. Dr. Rivers conducted a study of 309 Caucasian children ages six-to-10, who were monitored for three years. “Not only did the children in the sunscreen develop less nevi, it is of some significance.” To reference this study, contact the American Academy of Dermatology.

19. Does sunscreen use cause a Vitamin D deficiency?

It is true that our bodies need Vitamin D because it helps with the production of calcium and phosphorus – two minerals necessary for the building and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. However, the sun (or any other form of ultraviolet radiation) is not a viable method of getting your daily Vitamin D. We have mentioned how ultraviolet radiation damages our skin and places at a significantly higher risk for skin cancer, so to justify use of indoor tanning beds or suntanning as a means of getting Vitamin D is not only unnecessary, but dangerous. Americans fortify a majority of their grocery products with Vitamin D – milk, for example. Therefore, if were to have a bowl of cereal every day you would get sufficient Vitamin D. Reiterating this truth is the American Academy of Dermatology. The AAD recently compiled a list detailing reasons not to seek the sun for your daily Vitamin D.

So, there you have it -- the answers to many of your questions about sunscreens. For more information check out ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, or consult a board-certified dermatologist. You can also send me an email at info@cancercrusaders.org

* This list was compiled by the American Academy of Dermatology with additions made by The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

No simple "chance meeting"

2007-08-23T13:01:00.000-06:00

While devouring a plate of Panda Express last week, my brilliant physicist friend and fellow cancer crusader, Kathleen reminded me of a special experience that took place last year...

As you can guess from my Blog, the subject of skin cancer prevention frequently enters my conversations. Occasionally, I’m not the one who brings it up; a friend or colleague will ask me a question or share a personal story, thus spurring a lengthy discussion on the subject of Skin Cancer Awareness. I must admit, I don’t mind it all. In fact, it brings a smile to my face, even makes me chuckle a little inside and say a silent prayer of thanksgiving. I'm grateful that people feel comfortable approaching me with their questions, and I’m deeply humbled when they share their personal stories.(Remember, we're in this together!) You see, I’m an extremely extroverted person who thrives on interactions with others. I am my mother’s daughter; she planted within me seeds that have sprouted a genuine love of serving (and protecting) people. When my beloved mother passed away, I knew, deep down (though, at age 15, I was reluctant) that I would devote a significant part of my time, talents, and energy toward cancer crusading. And when I met my dear friend, Natalie, eight years later, I was reminded of this and I learned that while my roots were originally pink [breast cancer awareness] they are predominately orange [skin cancer awareness] (yet, the pink roots still remain). The following story is provides additional proof of this; it is a simple, yet profound reminder:

Every year in May, my fellow cancer-crusading friends and I participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Salt Lake to honor both my mother, Cindy, and Natalie’s brother, Eric. My radiant mother died from breast cancer on January 1, 1995, and Eric passed away (at age 21) due to complications associated with a malignant melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer, in May 1999. The event is our way of paying tribute to two beautiful people -- our angels.

So, May came along and we all gathered together for the Race. This year [2006] Natalie decided to name our Race for the Cure team “Team Maracaibo” in honor of Eric’s two-year Church mission to Maracaibo, Venezuela. (He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma just four days after returning home, and passed away exactly two months later). To surprise Natalie, a bunch of us bought Venezuelan T-Shirts (with pictures of my mother on lasso-necklaces). Unfortunately, Natalie was called out-of-town on business and was unable to attend the Race; however, her mother (also named Cindy) was deeply moved. I can still remember the look on her face, and the sound of her breathless gasp of emotion. It was such touching and tender moment.

After the Race, Kathleen and I (who walked it) met up with the rest of our teammates. After taking a few pictures and several rounds of hugs, Natalie’s family drove home and the rest of us decided to tour the sea of booths lined up around the Race course. It was then that this stranger with chesnut brown hair and a warm smile walked up to me and shouted “Who do you know from Venezuela?” I told her that my friend’s brother served a Church mission to Maracaibo, Venezuela and explained that we were wearing the T-shirts to pay tribute. “ [...] The Race always takes place right around the anniversary of his death, so we thought it would be nice to wear T-shirts honoring him and his mission.” It was then that this exuberant, but gentle lady asked me, “What's your friends’ brother’s name? I, too, served in Maracaibo.” When I told her that "his name was Eric Johnson", she immediately wrapped her arms around me in a big bear hug and squealed in my ear: “I LOVED Elder Johnson!” Then, her smile turned to a somber frown; the excitement in her voice faded and became liken to a whisper. “I was so, so sad to hear of his death. He passed away shortly after coming home, right? It was melanoma, right?”

I remember wishing that Natalie, and her family, had been present for this remarkable, even miraculous “chance meeting” with Hermana Merryweather. “I am so glad that Natalie has been able to honor Eric’s memory by creating the Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon. And I’m so glad that she has you, Danielle, to help her do that. Eric had a great love for the people of Venezuela. He was an all-around great person, and so nice and fun. Everyone liked him. Did you know that he had a perfect command of the Spanish language, too? I think I have some pictures of Eric in the mission field that I’d like Natalie to have. Can you give them to her for me?”

Oh, how I had wished that Natalie could have heard Hermana Merryweather speak so fondly of her valiant older brother; the one who inspired her to create the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol.

Truth be told, I never had the opportunity of meeting Eric. I only know him through stories, such as the one Hermana Merryweather shared. I only know Eric because of Natalie; the simple and quiet ways in which she serves the skin cancer community speak volumes about the love she had/has for her older brother which, in turn, tells me about the kind of person he was here in this life. I can’t make any statements about Eric, nor should I make any assumptions, but I think it is safe to say that he was a genuinely good person; a strong and courageous melanoma warrior. I'm sure he was... Just take a look at how he inspired(s) his sister, Natalie, who has since inspired(s) many others to become Skin Cancer Crusaders.

The “chance meeting” I had with Sister Merryweather is a fond memory and an experience I will always cherish. It is both humbling and bewildering. How did she spot me amid the massive crowds of literally thousands of people, and why did she choose me (there were four other people right next to me who were also wearing Venezuelan T-shirts)? Needless to say, this experience is a testament to me that we are all connected to each other. There is a saying that goes: “Coincidences are but small miracles in which God wishes to remain anonymous.” Yet, He is never anonymous. He is in every beautiful thing.

I can see Him in the faces of those I love, and see His Grace through the faces of those touched by cancer, and I can see His hand in my own life.

When I got home that day, I shared this story with my best friend [and then room-mate] Melissa (who, at the time, I had only known for a week but she ended up becoming one of my all-time favorite people and even wrote the Afterword to my book). I remember her big twinkling aquamarine eyes were immediately wet with tears. (And Melissa never cries.) Her kind, serene face glowed even brighter than the stars in Heaven. She reached out her long ballerina arm across the table and put her hand on mine. She, then, smiled and looked into my eyes. (Oh, how her eyes can see into my soul!) “You realize, Danielle, that this is no random, chance meeting […] I really believe that part of your mission here on Earth, Danielle, is to fight for those touched by cancer; to be a crusader for skin cancer and touch other people’s lives for the good. Heavenly Father is so mindful of you and He loves you…”

Honestly, I believe all of us are here to touch each other’s lives for the good. Everyone of us has the capacity, as well as the ability, to help further the cause of skin cancer prevention; to protect people and save lives from this extremely preventable disease. So often, when we hear of disease and tragedy, we are overwhelmed by its extremity that we feel crippled, if not powerless, to make a difference and stem the tide of its devastation. However, this is not the case with skin cancer. With more than 90% of skin cancers caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation, this disease is largely preventable which means, WE CAN DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT IT AND PROTECT PEOPLE FROM IT; TO SAVE LIVES! That, in of itself, is a message of hope, inspiration, and empowerment. And that is exactly why the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol® was born; to espouse hope and inspire people to join in the fight to save lives; to touch lives for the good.

If there can be a positive side to cancer, it is that it reminds us of how precious and yet fragile our relationships are, that we are all connected to each other by a power greater than ourselves, that we have an infinite capacity for good within us, that our nature is Divine but our lives are in His Hands and, as such, life is a gift. And, as with any gift, we must embrace it humbly and graciously, and treat it with great respect and care. We are also reminded that out of tragedy, hope can be found. Hope is always alive and present; it springs Eternal [but] it waits for us to awaken; to embrace it. Hope, and love, is the part of us that lives on -- it is the part that cancer cannot kill.

So, what are you waiting for? Help us eradicate skin cancer from the earth TODAY!

Love,
Danielle.

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord.
Thou sendest blessings from above
Through words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness Lord above.

(the italicized words above are an excerpt from a hymn by Karen Lynn Davidson).

But it cannot kill our Spirit

2007-08-23T09:49:00.000-06:00

Since I have posted Scarlet's and MaryAnn's story to this Blog I have received an outpouring of emails from young women everywhere who either knew and loved them, or were touched by their story. One such email, from Lisa, was particularly eye-opening and touching. She has had melanoma touch her life, every year since she was 16 (and she's now in her 30s).

Learning about Scarlett and MaryAnn this week has caused me to take forced to take greater pleasure in the simple pleasures and tender mercies of life. As such, the love and appreciation I have for my friends (especially my two dearest friends - Melissa and Natalie) has deepened even further. And my faith in and devotion toward my Higher Power has increased immeasurably.

These melanoma warriors remind me that the greatest blessing in life is the love we give others, and that the love we receive, in return, is the greatest gift of all. After all, love is a choice; therefore, it is a priceless and precious gift. Truly, our relationships with people are what matter most and they make life worth living. Each person we associate with presents an opportunity to learn, grow, serve, and love. I would give anything to let the people in my life have a glimpse into my heart so as to see just how much I love them, care for them, and pray for them. I trust that, despite my limitations, that I will (some day) have an opportunity to love them purely and perfectly.

Additionally, these brave and beautiful melanoma warriors also remind me why I feel so compelled to crusade on behalf of skin cancer prevention education. You see, while I choose to volunteer my time toward this cause, the truth really is that thus is an honor (and responsibility) that these melanoma warriors have given me to help save lives from a deadly, yet largely preventable disease.

With that, I wanted to share Scarlet's obituary with you. Her mother, Cheryl, just sent me a heartfelt email in which she shared wonderful stories about her daughter (who would be the same age as me). As such, I feel a special connection to Scarlet. I want to thank the Moore Family for the work they are doing to raise awareness about melanoma skin cancer and sun safety in Tennessee. More than 300 people from Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama got together this month to host a "Run from the Sun" 5k for melanoma. I was particularly touched by the young women wearing shirts that said "Scarlet's Sisters". These ladies went to college with Scarlet at the University of Mississippi; they were her sorority sisters.

This picture of Scarlet's Sisters shows is an example for each of us in the skin cancer community. Truly, by coming together and collaborating therein creating a strong and unified front, we can save lives from melanoma skin cancer and even conquer it - once and for all.

For those of you looking for a worthy cause to support , for a rewarding activity to do during your spare time, or even ways to get your teenagers off of the couch and into the community, read the stories of melanoma warriors on this Blog and let them inspire you to become a Skin Cancer Crusader!

Yours in the fight,
Danielle.

PS: Thank you, again, to the Moore family for sharing your daughter with us, and allowing her to touch our lives. And THANK YOU to MaryAnn, as well, for your strength and resolve. We are so honored to have you apart of our team!

Graduated to Heaven, Scarlet Lawrence Akins

On August 4, 2006, one day before her 28th birthday, Scarlet Lawrence Akins lost her brave battle against malignant melanoma, a cancer that may have taken her body, but never touched her spirit. Scarlet's courage, generosity, humor and passion for life will continue to impress upon the lives of countless friends, family members and students.

As a wife and mother, Scarlet's motivation was found in her family. With her husband and soul mate, Jody C. Akins, Scarlet gave life to Madison Grace Akins, a daughter who, like her mother, is blessed with beauty, strength and undeniable resolve.

As a daughter, granddaughter, and niece, Scarlet found comfort, friendship and unconditional love and support from her parents, Cheryl and Vann Moore and Steve and Vicki Lawrence, her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lawrence and Dr. and Mrs. Steve Bledsoe, her aunts, Renee Hust and Leigh Pleasant, and her many cousins.

As a sister, Scarlet would beam with pride (and often roll her eyes) when bragging on her brothers, Reese Taylor Lawrence and V. Davis Moore, II, whom she loved both dearly as siblings – and as best friends.

As a friend, Scarlet's caring demeanor was omnipresent, her personality contagious and her determined loyalty never wavering. She would lend you her ear, her guidance and her time without hesitation. A true friend, she will be missed.

A graduate of Collierville High School in 1997, Scarlet received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2001 from the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta, holding numerous positions within the sorority, both as a student and as alumna. She furthered her education at Ole Miss, earning a Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2003. Moving to Atlanta, she served as an assistant editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine and later as the editor of European Homes & Gardens magazine. Returning to her true calling, education, she reciprocated her love of learning by offering the gift of teaching. Accepting a position first in Memphis City Schools, Scarlet moved on to mentor and teach as a journalism instructor and publications specialist at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2005.

Please join in celebrating the life of Scarlet Lawrence Akins on Saturday, August 12th at 2 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church on Poplar Avenue in Germantown, TN.

In lieu of flowers, Scarlet requested donations be made to the Scarlet Lawrence Akins Foundation. Checks can be sent to the following address: 1328 Broadstone Lane, Cordova, TN 38016. Please specifically earmark your donation to one of Scarlet's three preferred charities: the Scarlet Lawrence Akins Journalism Scholarship at Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation, the Kappa Alpha Theta Scholarship Fund, or the Church Health Center.

"Pale is the new tan!" - SLA"

To share your story, for a special edition of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, please send an email to: info@cancercrusaders.org.

* Note: The official symbol for Skin Cancer Awareness is now represented by an orange loop ribbon with a sunburst in the center. For more information, check out www.skincancerribbon.org.

24 and facing a foe called Melanoma

2007-08-17T16:39:00.000-06:00

It has been difficult to sit down and write this week, especially since my last post about 27-year-old Scarlet and her battle with melanoma. While heartbroken, I have been comforted and uplifted by an email from a young woman named MaryAnn (who is also in her 20s and lives here in Utah).

As I work on revising, updating, and publishing my skin cancer prevention education curriculum for young adults, and gathering stories from people - all over the world - touched by melanoma skin cancer, I am overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed when I think about the number of people, especially those in their teens and 20s, who have faced melanoma. When these people are on the brink of starting their lives, melanoma has robbed them of it. When in your 20s, you should be taking classes and writing essays for college, dating and initiating lifelong friendships, traveling the world, discovering who you are, and preparing for the future. You should be living with passion, enthusiasm, vigor, and be full of hope and vitality. You should be full of enthusiasm and adventure, seeking out truth and knowledge, growing and developing, learning and loving. You should not be facing melanoma skin cancer.

At age 24, I was working on my senior thesis for college (which became the launchpad for my first book) and thinking about my career options. I established, with my dear friend Natalie, a non-profit organization to teach young adults about cancer (especially skin cancer). I was dreaming about my future husband and vacations to Ireland, Australia, Egypt, Greece, and other exotic places. (I still am... Where is Mr. Right, anyway?) MaryAnn, on the other hand; At age 24, MaryAnn was told that a mole on her cheek was malignant melanoma--a preventable, but very aggressive and even deadly form of cancer.

Here's an excerpt from the email she sent me --

"I was 24 years old at the time of diagnosis. I learned of my diagnosis after I had a mole that was on my left cheek removed [...]. The [plastic surgeon] automatically sent the mole in for a biopsy and I received a call that following Monday. My melanoma was at a Clark level IV. I honestly went into a complete numb mode. I was referred to an oncologist that I was told was the best in the West. I did anything and everything he told me to do. I was so scared I didn't dare think anymore than what I was told. It has now been two years since my diagnosis. I return every six months for a check up, and I have had many atypical moles removed since.

When I received the initial call, I told him he had the wrong person, after all I was only 24. This wasn't possible. Then, I called my husband and my mom and cried and cried. I didn't know what to think and neither did they. We all went to see the oncologist together. I was only focusing on the part where he said he was going to cut into my face and I would have a scar. I kept asking how big the scar was going to be and how bad it would look. He finally looked me in the eyes and said, "I'm not really worried about how the scar will look, I am more worried about trying to save your life." I honestly can say I didn't hear much of the conversation after that. I was told that I had skin cancer because I went tanning. I truly thought, "this is crazy." We are told that tanning beds are safe, so how could this be true? I decided that the only way I could become a survivor and not a victim of this terrible disease was to start educating as many people as I could about the dangers of tanning beds. I have now done several interviews, as well as going to the high schools and telling them my story. I will do everything in my power to help our kids learn the truth about tanning beds and what they need to do to keep themselves safe from skin cancer and melanoma. The picture is right before I was heading into the second surgery to remove all the lymph nodes in my neck due [to prevent the melanoma from spreading further."

Thankfully, MaryAnn's dermatologist, plastic surgeon, and oncologist were able to surgically remove the metastic (spreading) melanoma and thus save her life. Yet, many other young women such as Scarlet and others mentioned in this Blog were not as fortunate. Let this be, yet ANOTHER reminder, that there is NO SUCH THING AS A SAFE TAN. Tanning beds are dangerous - period. Ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds are just as harmful (in fact, more so) than UV rays from the sun. There is a great deal of research currently being done about the affects of tanning and its link to a heightened risk for melanoma. And there are various studies on how the cumulative affects of ultraviolet radiation - a known carcinogen - leads to an eventual melanoma.

To learn more about melanoma prevention, detection and treatment, as well as the dangers of tanning pick up copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Research. You can also log on to www.aad.org - the official site of the American Academy of Dermatology and read scientific journals.

Melanoma is an ugly, terrible, aggressive, and deadly cancer that is largely preventable. Truly, with increased awareness, prevention, and education we can stem the tide of this growing yet unnecessary epidemic. In turn, we SAVE LIVES of many of our youth who are, in fact, our future!

Parents, please do not let your teenagers go tanning. Ladies, if you must heed to the fashion of being bronze use sunless tanning foams instead. Everyone - perform your self-skin exams every month and see your dermatologist annually; protect yourself and your loved ones from melanoma.

I wish all cancers were as easily preventable; however, the double-edged sword we face with melanoma is that while it may be preventable, it is a complicated and often misunderstood, dangerous and deadly disease.

So, again, I implore you - forgo the tanning beds, wear the sunscreen, and take all the necessary steps to reduce your risk and protect yourself from skin cancer.

Thanks, MaryAnn, for sharing your story. Thank you to all of you who are fighting for skin cancer prevention, melanoma research, sun safety, and tanning legislation. You are heroes fighting a good fight!

Wishing you all lifelong health and safety,
Danielle.

PS: If you are a melanoma survivor, or have lost a loved one to melanoma, please email me at info@cancercrusaders.org to share your story.

This one's for all the Girls

2007-08-15T18:34:00.000-06:00

You would think that after all the phone calls and emails that I receive from people touched by melanoma (and cancer, in general) that I would know exactly what to say to speak comfort, peace, hope, light, friendship, and love to someone's heart. Alas, I find myself, like I did this afternoon, fighting back tears that sting my eyes and sending a silent prayer Heavenward. The only words I know to say are in the form of prayer (and education).

Last week, we issued a press release asking for stories about melanoma warriors. Today, I received two emails - both stories about two beautiful women in their 20s; one survived Stage IV melanoma, while the other succumbed to Stage IV melanoma. (Stage IV meaning that the melanoma had spread to other bodily organs and into the lymph and blood vessels). I went from joy and excitement when reading a story about survival, to sadness and humility when reading a Tennessee mother write about her daughter, Scarlet, with the bright and friendly smile. Scarlet passed away a year ago. She passed away just one day shy of her 28th birthday. I'm 28 and single with no family, but Scarlet was married with a brand new baby girl. And melanoma robbed her of the chance to raise her baby. Having lost my mother to cancer as a teenager, I weep for Scarlet's baby and I ache for her. You see, I have memories of my radiant mother [but] Scarlet's baby will have only pictures; no memories of the beautiful and brave mother who, against the odds, fought to give her life while losing her own life to melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Ladies, this Blog entry is for you (especially to those of you in your teens and 20s). When you hear reports issued by the American Academy of Dermatology that say melanoma is killing more women ages 20 - 39 than any other cancer; when you hear me beg and plead with you to avoid tanning beds and be vigilant about proper, regular, year-round sunscreen use; when you read about melanoma warriors such as Scarlet or Charlie or Colette, and many others, please remember that melanoma is very real and very serious, and very dangerous -- even deadly. Remember, too, that melanoma is PREVENTABLE! Please, please, please protect yourselves and protect your loved ones. Consider the heartfelt plea of a Tennessee mother named Cheryl who lost her daughter to melanoma. (And while you're encouraging the young women in your life to be proactive about sun safety and skin checks, don't forget the guys in your life, too!)

"I wish I could say that my daughter was a Melanoma survivor, but that is not the case. Here is her story:

Scarlet Lawrence Akins was 27-years-old, a college professor, married and pregnant with her first child. She had a small mole on her right thigh, just above her knee that changed shape/size. She told me, she was not sure if it changed size and she shaved the top of it off or if she shaved it and then it changed. Either way, it would not stop bleeding. It would bleed off and on for a while. She kept a Band-Aid on it all of the time. When she got pregnant she was so sick, of course everyone thought it was due to her being pregnant. She continued to teach, the entire time having little strength and being so sick that she would throw-up in the trash can in her classroom. She started coughing in Jan. 2006 and the doctors still didn't know what was wrong. She was given blood every week because of her "counts" were "off". On April 4, 2006 we finally found out that she had Stage IV Melanoma. The cancer was on her spine, three tumors on her brain and so many tumors in her lungs that according to her oncologist, her x-ray looked like a "snowstorm".

She lived exactly four months to the day. She died on August 4, 2006 one day before her 28th birthday. While she did go to the beach every summer, she was not a tanning bed user and did not every tan. She would just joke that all she did was turn red, then back to white. Scarlet delivered a healthy (cancer-free) little girl that weighed 3lbs and 8oz on May 9, 2006. Scarlet hardly got to be with her child at all. It breaks my heart that her daughter will never know what a wonderful mother she had. Never get to have her to hold her hand, give her a hug or fix her hair. We will never understand.................

We did just pass the one year mark of losing Scarlet and we did a Run From the Sun Memphis 5K in her memory and to raise money for Melanoma research, education and awareness. Since she was an educator, we wanted to do something to bring awareness to this awful disease.

If Scarlet could change anything, I think it would be this; if you have a strange spot, a mole or if you just don't feel "right" don't just settle for accepting that the doctors know everything. You know your body, and you need to manage your own health. She would probably had still succumbed to this, but maybe we would have had her longer.

MD Anderson has sent education packages to every school in the "Sunbelt" in the south. We live in Tennessee and I don't believe that this is being taught in any health or science class. I think that we have to get to these young people before they get into tanning. Educate parents to not take your babies to the beach without sunscreen and not in the hours of 10-4. If is taught at home first then in the schools maybe we could save some of these young people.

If you could get Oprah or Dr. Phil to do a story on this that would be a tremendous boost in awareness. I personally sent Oprah, Scarlet's story, her obituary, her memorial CD and all of the press that was covered about her story and I heard nothing. Maybe you would have better luck.

Thank you for your efforts and if I can be of any assistance please feel free to let me know."

Thank you, Cheryl, for opening up your heart and allowing me to (in a very small way) share in your sorrow and pain. I promise you that all of us here at The Cancer Crusaders Organization, though we are small group of 20-somethings volunteering our time between school and work, we will do all that we can to fight this deadly, but preventable disease. I, personally, pray each day for Strength, Insight, and Guidance from Above to know how best to serve you, and others like you, to honor the memories of those we have lost, and to best educate other young adults; to effectively reach and teach them about skin cancer prevention, detection, sun safety, and hopefully - with His Grace and Assistance - help save lives. I know that many of my fellow "skin cancer crusaders" at other melanoma foundations share in that commitment and passion, as well.

That said, if you are a woman in her 20s or if you know and care about a woman in her 20s, please share with her Scarlet's story, the facts and statistics about young women and melanoma (and the fact that every five minutes a woman is diagnosed with a form of skin cancer), and share with them information about skin cancer prevention/sun safety. I know that tonight, as I say my prayers, I'll be thanking my Heavenly Father for the gift of good health and safety, of blessed and beloved friends, of tender mercies and , of course, for "this unique gift called life." I just can't believe that I have outlived yet another young woman who gave so much of herself to those around her and who had a bright future ahead of her. It is, in a word, humbling. And it breaks my heart.

Let this be a reminder of how precious life is, and how much work we have to do to fight this UNNECESSARY EPIDEMIC!!!

In humility,
Danielle

PS: If you would like to share your story for the special edition of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, please feel free to email me. Thank you, and God Bless!

Melanoma - Not a Respector of Persons

2007-08-14T14:38:00.000-06:00

Last night, while updating this blog, I was surprised to receive an anonymous comment that made the claim that "melanoma is a white person's only disease" followed by a statement that read "melanoma is white person's curse [...] to call your organization 'Cancer Crusaders' is to be a hypocrite because you only care about cancers that affect white people."

First, please allow me to ease this person's concerns about whether or not I care about all cancers; I care, very deeply, about ALL cancers. My mother - my only parent - was taken from me as a teenager by breast cancer. Additionally, I have had several other family members suffer cancer - prostate cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, and melanoma, as well. My dear friend (and co-founder) lost her brother to complications associated with malignant melanoma. He was just 21-years-old. My best friend lost her grandmother to cancer. Nearly every one I know has been touched by cancer, including melanoma, in some form.

Secondly, and most importantly, please allow me to me plainly state that MELANOMA IS NOT A RESPECTOR OF PERSONS. Everyone is at risk for melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer. While it is true that individuals with fair or lighter skin are at the highest risk, ultraviolet radiation is a known carcinogen that affects all biological forms of life, according to NASA and the World Health Organization. In other words, melanoma can touch anyone's life regardless of skin color, national origin, race, creed, or gender.

Take, for instance, popular Reggae singer Bob Marley (the idol of my 11th grade history teacher, Mr. Ettle) --

Contrary to popular belief Bob Marley did not die of a drug overdose; rather succumbed to malignant melanoma which spread into his lungs and brain. This factoid might surprise a few readers; however, this piece of information should actually bring the seriousness of this disease into a sharper, more stark perspective. Bob Marley’s battle with melanoma is a noteworthy case-and-point.

Initially, Marley mistook the unrelenting - and growing - sore on his right big toe for an old soccer injury. The supposed wound, which was originally found in July 1977, posed problematic after months of lingering ulceration. It was only when the sore began to grow, aggressively, under his toenail and thus interfered with Marley's dancing, that he sought medical advice. It was then that the correct diagnosis of malignant melanoma was made. Marley was advised to get his toe amputated, but he refused because of deeply held religious beliefs (he was Rastafarian). He also was concerned about the impact such an operation would have on his performing. He felt that amputation “would profoundly affect his career at a time when greater success was close at hand” according to biographers. Sadly, Bob Marley’s melanoma spread to his brain, his lungs and his stomach. While on tour in the summer of 1980, while trying to break into the U.S. market, Marley collapsed jogging in Central Park. Marley did seek other alternative advice regarding his melanoma diagnosis, but it was to no avail. He died a year later on May 11, 1981 at the age of 36 while at the peak of his music career. If we learn anything from Bob Marley’s story, it is that no one is exempt from a melanoma diagnosis.

Moreover, we learn that taking action on anything of concern is imperative. Do not be afraid to listen to your body nor be afraid to open your mouth; ask questions and seek help from your dermatologist.
After all, you are your own best advocate. Bob Marley dismissed an unrelenting sore on his toe as a stubborn soccer injury, for which he paid the ultimate price—his life.

That said, I implore each of you - especially the young adults in their 20s - to take proper precautions against a future melanoma diagnosis. Perform your monthly self-skin exams; visit your dermatologist for a full-body skin exam once-a-year; properly apply an effective broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day; avoid tanning beds, and spread the message on to your friends and peers.

Wishing you abundant health,
Danielle M. White
The Cancer Crusaders Organization
PO Box 2076 Provo, Utah 84603
info@cancercrusaders.org

* Note: More about this can be found in ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. Pick up a copy today and support the cause. In this book, you will find a listing of melanoma foundations throughout the U.S., and read about others touched by melanoma.

PS: May I also suggest my friend Chris' Website devoted to malignant melanoma for more information about this deadly, but preventable disease.

PPS: If you have any questions about skin cancer, The Cancer Crusaders Organization, my book (or upcoming book), about the Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon, or would simply like to share your story please feel free to email me.

You Might Be a SunSavvy Geek if...

2007-08-13T18:24:00.001-06:00

My friends and co-workers like to joke with me about being a "SunSavvy Geek". To be honest, I am rather fond of the nickname (probably because I can't dispute the fact that I am, indeed, a SunSavvy Geek).

What makes a person a bonafide SunSavvy Geek? Well, persons who qualify for a such a designation possess several of the following characteristics mentioned below and/or demonstrate distinct behaviors marked by a zealous desire to teach others about skin cancer prevention. As a result, you have been branded, by friends and kinfolk, as a SunSavvy Geek. Individuals who may be considered for such a designation or diagnosis, may consider the following criterion:

* People can recognize you from a block away by catching a glimpse of your Skin Cancer Awareness hat.

* You wear the Skin Cancer Awareness pin on your lapel every single day for three consecutive years.

* You carry sunscreen samples in your purse and freely disburse them to the masses as if they were Halloween candy (even at Church).

* You buy a gallon pump of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen and place it by the front door of your apartment so as to make daily application a more convenient part of daily your life, and the daily lives of your room-mates. As such, your best friend writes in the afterword of your first book on skin cancer: "[it was] to the chagrin of interior decorators everywhere..."

* You buy a gallon pump of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen and it place in your office at work (and neither one of the eight gentleman you work with have ever touched it, but you still hold on to the hope that they will...soon).

* One of your favorite topics of conversation is the proper use of sunscreen, and skin cancer prevention comes up in nearly every conversation.

* You send safety care packages to your buddy's dad who runs a successful pool cleaning/maintenance business.

* You give sun safety clothing as baby shower gifts.

* You host a radio talk show on skin cancer every week for two years and still found new issues/items to talk about.

* You have been to Chicago and D.C. because you were invited to participate in sun safety events and/or dermatology conferences.

* During a 15 minute break at work you write a blog on skin cancer (despite the fact that you write all-day everyday at work).

* You hand-painted the National Skin Cancer Awareness Ribbon Symbol on 200 Christmas ornaments for family members touched by skin cancer.

* You are obsessed with all things orange (and are wearing a brand-new orange top as we speak).

* You see a poster in student housing promoting unlimited use of indoor tanning beds and make a fuss about it.

* Your friends introduce you to other people by saying: "This is my friend Danielle, she runs a non-profit called The Cancer Crusaders Organization which teaches people about skin cancer prevention, and serves as the proud home of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol" all in the same breath.

* You spend your free-time teaching skin cancer, writing books about skin cancer, run a non-profit organization devoted to skin cancer (all voluntarily) just for the sheer LOVE of it all.

So, are you a SunSavvy Geek, too? If so, let me know... I would love to hear from a kindred spirit.

Yours in the fight,
Danielle.

PS: Don't worry - while my friend, in the picture above, may not be wearing a Skin Cancer Awareness hat at the pool, she is armed with ample amounts of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen and is standing under an umbrella for shade! (Friends don't let friends go outside without Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen!)

Kudos to Carrie; Saluting those who protect what protect us

2007-08-10T13:57:00.000-06:00

My dermatologist called me yesterday to say that she will do whatever she can to make herself available to "get my moles taken care of" (I have about seven suspicious moles that need to be removed). At any rate, her genuine care and concern spawned this...

Saluting those who protect what protects us—our skin: 1st Annual Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week announced

Provo, UTAH (August 10, 2007) – With more than 1.3 million new skin cancers diagnosed in America each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the role of dermatologist has transformed from mere “skin doctor” to cancer crusader, lifesaver, and even hero.

There was a quote that appeared in a recent publication of the British Journal of Dermatology that says “[…] there is a general lack of appreciation for what dermatologists do.”

Indeed, dermatologists are faced with a tremendous responsibility in the midst of a growing epidemic, not to mention the slew of other skin diseases they treat.

Hence, The Cancer Crusaders Organization announces that it will host “Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week” to pay tribute to superior dermatologists dedicated to skin cancer prevention and patient care.

“The idea [to recognize dermatologists] came to me when I received a call from my dermatologist recently,” says Danielle White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. “We had been playing phone tag for over a month trying to schedule an appointment to surgically remove several suspicious moles, and we could never sync up; my work schedule was crazy, she was booked.” White continues, “Then, I received a voice message from her that said ‘anytime that works for you and your crazy schedule is good for me. I just want to get those moles taken care of for you.’ That really impressed me. I thought ‘Wow! My dermatologist genuinely cares!’ She went above and beyond the call of duty. I know many dermatologists are also dedicated; they champion skin cancer prevention and patient care. So, we [at The Cancer Crusaders Organization] decided it would be a great opportunity for patients to have an opportunity to champion them in return, and show their appreciation.”

With that, The Cancer Crusaders Organization is asking patients to nominate their dermatologist for recognition. To nominate your favorite skin cancer-crusading dermatologist, please follow these guidelines:

• Submit a 300 to 600 word write-up explaining why the dermatologist is worthy of recognition. Please include: a list journal publications they may have written, community activities they have participated in for skin cancer awareness, personal experiences with the care you received from the dermatologist, testimonials from fellow patients, and other applicable information to help us understand why you are nominating them for recognition.

• Please include first and name, location, and contact information for both yourself and the dermatologist. (Sorry, no anonymous nominations will be accepted).

• It is strongly recommended that nominators submit a jpeg photo of the dermatologist, if possible.

• Please submit your nomination via email to The Cancer Crusaders Organization no later than September 7th at info@cancercrusaders.org.

• The dermatologist must be board-certified and in good standing with the American Academy of Dermatology.

• Nominations from outside of the United States may also be accepted.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization will recognize two dermatologists a day during the week of September 24 – 27, 2007. Each dermatologist will be featured on White’s Blog, receive an custom-made award plaque, a complimentary Skin Cancer Awareness pin featuring the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®, a personalized thank you note from the nominee(s), and a complimentary copy of White’s next book – Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer which is due out sometime next year.

White, who is also the author of the recently released book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, says she hopes to make this an annual tradition by partnering up with other skin cancer organizations in the future, even making it a national event.

“With skin cancer incidence continually on the rise, it is vitally important that individuals and organizations dedicated fighting skin cancer come together and create a unified front; to conquer this disease it is going to take the collaborative effort—the dermatologists and patients, the educators and survivors must all come together,” White says. “Take a look at the breast cancer community—they have raised our stream of consciousness considerably over the past 20 years largely because they have successfully captured the attention of society by recruiting and uniting women together in the fight. The skin cancer community needs to do the same. We’re making progress, but there is still so much work to do,” she says. White adds that she hopes activities such as a Dermatologists’ Appreciation Week will aid in accomplishing this “overwhelming, but do-able task of raising awareness and education.”

Additionally, The Cancer Crusaders Organization welcomes nominations from the American Academy of Dermatology to nominate outstanding employees who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to skin cancer prevention education both personally and professionally.

“We recognize the AAD as the nation’s leader in the field of dermatological health and education,” White says. “In addition to saluting dermatologists, we would like to recognize at least one employee at the AAD, who have been nominated by their peers and co-workers, for their good works on behalf of skin cancer. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for what you do. It’s a way to give back to those who inspire us, and serve others.”

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is a member of the National Coalition for Sun Safety, as part of the American Academy of Dermatology. Employees of the AAD who wish to nominate co-workers should follow the aforementioned guidelines regarding nominations for dermatologists.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization is also in the midst of hosting an essay contest on skin cancer prevention education and the perils of tanning.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or make a charitable donation, please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization at: PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603 or send an email. You can also check out White’s personal Blog at: http://onlyskindeepbook.blogspot.com.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization, founded in 2004 by Danielle M. White and Natalie C. Johnson-Hatch, is an award-winning 501 [c] [3] public charity, and serves as the proud home of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®

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The photo above is a picture of AAD board members - past and present, including Dr. Clay J. Cockerell who wrote the foreword for my book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. If you live in the Dallas, Texas area (like my best friend does) schedule an appointment with Dr. Cockerell today for your annual skin exam. To find a dermatologist in your area, go to aad.org.

Paying Tribute to Melanoma Warriors

2007-08-08T18:37:00.000-06:00

Only Skin Deep? ‘Cancer Crusaders’ seeking stories of hope, survival, and inspiration

Provo, UTAH (August 8, 2007) – As the temperature rises this summer, so does melanoma incidence—across the globe. In fact, another American is succumbs to melanoma every hour according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Yet, The Cancer Crusaders Organization wants to reassure people that there is hope.

“Skin cancer incidence in the U.S., and across the globe, continues to rise at an alarming rate,” says Danielle M. White, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. “In fact, melanoma is killing more women ages 20-39 than any other cancer. Yet, this disease is very preventable! Prevention brings message of hope, and we want to emphasize to people, especially young adults, that while melanoma is a serious [disease] that is one the rise, it is extremely preventable—if we are proactive,” White says.

The 28-year-old White, who is also the author of the book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources says that her award-winning organization is collecting stories from melanoma survivors and family members touched by melanoma to include in a special edition of her book is set to release sometime next year.

“We want to include a section in the book that features a variety of stories from individuals touched by melanoma in this next edition,” White says. “In doing this, we hope to put face to this often misunderstood disease, and inspire people to be more proactive about prevention [and] to pay tribute to melanoma warriors and their legacy.”

White who is an inducted member of the American Academy of Dermatology’s National Coalition for Sun Safety and teaches skin cancer prevention to young adults says melanoma is a particular concern for women in their 20s. White’s next book, Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer, is also due out next year.

“Melanoma is the number one cancer-killer of women ages 20 to 39,” she says. “Every day I receive another email or phone call from someone who has lost a loved one to melanoma. The alarming increase in melanoma incidence reminds me that there is a need to not only disseminate information and statistics, but to put a face to the disease; to show people that melanoma is real and touches real people—your brother, your daughter, your friend.”

White mentions friend and co-founder, Natalie Johnson-Hatch. “Natalie’s brother passed away due to complications associated with a malignant melanoma just two months after his diagnosis. He was only 21-years-old. This is just one, of the many, stories that we want to share with others. Melanoma needs more attention and support from the public, thus we need increase awareness through education and prevention.” Hatch is the creator of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol® and has been featured in various publications such as SHAPE Magazine. White also mentions Brittany Lietz (pictured above), Miss Maryland 2006, who is a melanoma survivor.

Individuals interested in sharing their stories of melanoma survival are encouraged to follow the prescribed guidelines for submission:

- If you are a melanoma survivor submitting a story for inclusion in the special edition of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, please include:

• Your first and last name, mailing address and hometown, email, and age at the time of diagnosis. (We can, upon request, omit last names when publishing stories but request first and last names during submission to verify authenticity and accuracy of the information; to ensure the submission received is from the actual individual and that individual is authorizing publication of the story).
• How you learned of your diagnosis (and what stage melanoma you had), treatment options you explored, recovery, and how many years you have been in remission.
• Personal details such as: how you told your family; how you felt when you were initially diagnosed; what you wished you knew before diagnosis and what you would like people to know about melanoma now; ideas on effective ways of teaching youth and what you are doing to help protect and educate others.
• A jpeg photo (optional).

- If you are the family member of an individual who succumbed to melanoma and would like to share their story, please also send in the aforementioned information.

Stories should be sent to The Cancer Crusaders Organization via email by October 11, 2007. The organization is also hosting an essay contest for skin cancer.

Individuals submitting stories for the special edition of White’s book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources must realize that their content will become property of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. The first 15 individuals who submit stories will receive a complimentary Skin Cancer Awareness pin featuring the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol®.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to make a tax-deductible charitable donation, please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization at PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603 or send an email to: info@cancercrusaders.org.

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Notorious D.M.W.

2007-08-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

While taking a walk through the little restaurants and shops neighboring my place of employment, I noticed an attractive young gentleman staring at me as I walked into a new restaurant; it was lunch time and the thought of a hearty, healthy salad was tantalizing my taste buds on this hot summer day. The gentleman followed me into the store and walked up to the register. Imagine my surprise when I discovered his family owned the restaurant. Imagine my shock when he said, "Aren't you Danielle White? I remember you! You were on student government and did Miss UVSC. I remember you because you did all that cancer stuff." Then, he proceeded to reference (by pointing) to the Skin Cancer Awareness hat that I was wearing. "I know you're Danielle White because you're the only person I know who would sport Skin Cancer Awareness hat. So, obviously you still do the cancer crusading thing. That's awesome. My name is Nick. We had a mutual friend named Jessica Beck and Brittany Wiscombe, and she would just go on about your cancer crusading stuff."

Well, that explains why a cute guy was eying me as a made my way down the sidewalk. (And to think it was the little bounce in my strut that lured him toward me. I should have known it was my ultra-fashionable Skin Cancer Awareness hat. Indeed, that hat is a fashion must!)

As I ordered a delicious strawberry-mandarin orange-chicken salad, we discussed sun safety and why it is especially important in Utah, old memories from college, how I made a fool of myself during my first attempt at Miss UVSC, and how the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol came to be (thanks, Natalie).

And, as you would have guessed, I slipped Nick a sample of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen along with a tip. (I almost gave him my number, as well, but I deferred. That is twice in two weeks that I have done that now! I never knew that fighting skin cancer would earn my conversation privileges with attractive men. Though, I wouldn't necessarily consider Gary Coleman part of that club. I've just been trying to protect people from the world's most common cancer!)

Be SunSavvy,
Danielle M. White

PS: To learn more about sunscreen, sun safety, and the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol pick up a copy of my book ONLY SKIN DEEP? and support the cause. Thank you!

Skin Cancer, Urologists, and Italian food

2007-08-02T16:29:00.001-06:00

Generally, my blog entries are educational and, hence, serious in nature. Occasionally, however, I do write about my personal adventures as a skin cancer crusader.

Today's blog is [hopefully] an example of this... (If anything it is a superb example of how I seize every opportunity to insert a skin cancer-related message into every situation).

Two nights ago my room-mate and I went to the Olive Garden. Our server was a very nice (and cute) gentleman named Dave. He was friendly, attentive, and suggested a fabulous new dish for me to try (I tend to order the same dish over-and-over again when I go to restaurants.) It was pleasantly tasty. Good choice, Dave!

At one point, when Dave came to replenish our supply of bread sticks, salad, water, and good conversation, he pointed to my "Skin Cancer Awareness" hat. Behold! The opportunity presented itself, and I gladly embraced it.

"I have had skin cancer," says Dave. "Really? If you don't mind me asking, Dave, was it basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma?" (Question marks begin circling his head.) "I'm not sure. It was some red scaly patch on my neck. It was a scab that wouldn't heal, so the doctor took it off." "Hmm, it sounds like it was either basal cell or maybe even squamous cell carcinoma, which are very common and very treatable." "Yeah, my doctor just removed it." "Well, you want to make sure you have a dermatologist take care of any skin-related issues. While general practitioner's are good, you will want to see a dermatologist especially if you have had skin cancer before. Have you gone in for any follow-up visits?"

(Note: By this time Dave is sweating bullets and has a peculiar, puzzled and perplexed look on his face.)

"No, I haven't gone in for any follow-up visits but my dad is a physician and..." (I intercept) "You really should go to the dermatologist -- at least once a year, and you should be examining your skin every month, too. What kind of doctor is your dad? Is your dad the one who diagnosed and removed your skin cancer?" (Dave turns bright red.) "Oh, trust me, Danielle! I don't want to see my dad or have him treat me for anything. I won't let him touch me!" "Why is that?" "Because my dad is a urologist."

(Enter loud laughter courtesy of both myself and my room-mate).

"Well, you should get that checked out, too!"

(Dave now sports an endearing shade of tomato-red and walks away.)

"I'll come back in a second, please excuse me."

Approximately 15 minutes later, Dave returns to our table. He says we embarrassed him, but promised to see the dermatologist ASAP. I asked him if he needed a recommendation, and gave him the URL for the American Academy of Dermatology. He also promises to check his skin out every month. "To tell you the truth, Danielle, I have had about 16 different moles removed. So, you're right. I should go in for a follow-up visit. Thanks for the lesson on skin cancer prevention."

Talk about a good sport! Little did Dave know that he would receive two tips from one lady in one evening. (My mother did teach me to tip generously!)

And now, I'm tipping YOU. It's a brand new month (Happy Birthday, Melissa), thus it is a great time to perform your monthly self-skin exam. So, after you get out the shower tonight, take a few minutes to check out your birthday suit.

Seriously, though, make a commitment to do it TODAY! It takes about five minutes, and it could save your life. When you think about another woman being diagnosed with skin cancer every five minutes, performing a thorough self-skin exam is time well spent.

That said, here's how to perform a self-skin exam...

First, you will need the following:

* A bright light
* A full-length mirror
* A hand mirror
* 2 chairs or stools
* A blow dryer
* Body maps
* A pencil

Now that you are properly equipped follow these simple steps:

1. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.

2. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.

3. Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look between the buttocks and around the genital area.

4. Sit and closely examine your feet, including the toenails, the soles, and the spaces between the toes.

5. Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move hair to get a better looks. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair because this is difficult to do yourself.

Now that you know how to perform a self-skin exam, here is what you need to look for:

A = Asymmetry. Melanoma lesions are typically asymmetrical, whereas benign moles are typically round and symmetrical

B = Border. Melanoma lesions frequently have uneven or irregular borders (i.e., ragged or notched edges), whereas benign moles have smooth, even borders.

C = Color. Melanoma lesions often contain multiple shades of brown or black, whereas benign moles are usually a single shade of brown.

D = Diameter. Early melanoma lesions are often more than 6 mm in diameter, whereas benign moles are usually less than 6 mm in diameter which is about the size of a No# 2 pencil eraser (or smaller). Note: Yet, some people have moles that are larger than 6mm, which is why it is important to examine your skin regularly so as to know what is normal for your skin.

E = Elevation. A previously flat mole, becomes raised. It also stands for evolution - any mole that changes is cause for concern and requires the immediate attention of a board certified dermatologist.

According to the National Cancer Institute "by checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for your skin. It is helpful to record the dates of your skin exams and to write notes about the way your skin looks. I also recommend taking pictures, especially if you have numerous dysplastic nevi (large, abnormal moles). If you find that a mole has changed in color, shape, or size, is bleeding, or "doesn't look quite right" contact your dermatologist immediately. If you do not have a dermatologist, you can find one near you by simply entering your zip code here.

For the first three people who email me (or leave a comment) saying they have completed their monthly self skin exam for the month of August, I will send them a complimentary Skin Cancer Awareness pin. (You may also get an autographed copy of my book).

To learn why skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a serious concern and why young adults should begin performing self skin exams NOW, pick up a copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources and read through articles published by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Thanks, Dave, for providing me with an opportunity to educate others about skin cancer! I hope each of YOU will follow his example, and begin monitoring your skin each month and visiting your dermatologist every year.

Here's to your health (and tasty Italian food)!

Danielle.
info@cancercrusaders.org

PS: The picture above is not of me getting my skin exam done; rather it is a melanoma skin cancer survivor named Stacey Escalante.

Award-winning Organization Touts Innovative Ways for "Crusading" Against Skin Cancer

2007-07-31T13:56:00.000-06:00

The Cancer Crusaders Organization, an all-volunteer skin cancer education facility located in Utah, launched the "Only Skin Deep?"® Peer Educator's Training and Certification Program via an internet radio show - Conversations with Cancer in May 2006. The show, which garnered a prestigious Gold Triangle for Excellence from the American Academy of Dermatology, aired weekly to audience of 19-million worldwide via the Grapevine Talk Radio Network.

"We wanted to launch a pilot version our skin cancer curriculum to determine how effective it was; to glean feedback and discover ways to improve upon it so that we could then make it available to the masses," says Danielle M. White, co-founder and president of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. White wrote and developed the "Only Skin Deep?"® program in effort to actively recruit high school and college students. "I traveled with my friend Natalie when she was Miss Utah teaching more than 500 people about sun safety and took mental notes," White says. "I then thought back to when I was in school, and what tools and techniques helped me learn; what made learning enjoyable and meaningful. I took those factors in to account and decided to create a program that gave young adults opportunities to teach their peers about skin cancer."

And that is when the "Only Skin Deep?"® Peer Educator's Training and Certification Program was born.

The program, which includes a training manual, CD-ROMS, and other learning tools, combines traditional classroom learning with a strong hands-on service learning component which makes it interactive.

"I saw that there needed to be a better way to reach young adults, especially since they are the ones who will soon be entering the workforce, starting families, and engaging in community/civic leadership activities," White says. "They are going to be in a position to teach skin cancer prevention to the next generation."

So, White teamed up with the award-winning Grapevine Talk Radio Network, a leader in global internet talk radio, also based in Utah, and pitched the idea of having a weekly skin cancer talk show. The producers responded favorably to the idea, and once the show started gaining popularity among network listeners, White utilized it as venue to launch her pilot program.

"We had three local college students from Utah Valley State join me in the studio each week, and had another three students from different countries across the state tune-in live via grapevineradio.com, and turned the show into a distance education class; it was akin to a college course--just on the internet." White adds, "It was so much fun for me to teach skin cancer every week, and it was fun for the students and listeners, too. They would get so excited when they got the right answer, which would make their day and mine. It was an incredible opportunity for me to teach and work with the youth in this way."

Upon completion of the four month-long pilot course, students completed a final exam and evaluation of the program to receive certification as a peer educator. Maile Wilson, a junior at Southern Utah University, participated in the program to learn more about skin cancer as part of her platform for the Miss SUU Scholarship Pageant. "Skin cancer is in my family, and when I heard about this program I thought it was a great opportunity to learn more about skin cancer, and learn how to teach other people about it," Wilson says. "I learned so much more than I ever thought I would." Wilson's final exam--an essay on tanning--was featured in White's recent book.

"After the pilot program launched, I realized that this helped me make skin cancer prevention become more personal, meaningful, and relevant for young adults," White says. "And to keep young adults interested in skin cancer prevention, the message needs to tailor especially to them and their interests--they need to get something out of it; a sense of satisfaction. It needs to be hands-on and engaging." White, who is in her 20s, continues, "Listening to a dermatologist telling you to apply sunscreen and not go tanning is valuable and important because they are the experts, and we invite them to be apart of the program, [but] the message takes on different, more interpersonal meaning when it comes from someone you can relate to; a peer, a friend."

Since the "Only Skin Deep?" program launched last year, various melanoma foundations, schools, and even the AAD have expressed interest in utilizing it in their communities.

"I have been working on identifying the best method of making this program readily accessible to anyone interested utilizing, even universities that want to incorporate skin cancer prevention as part of their academic curricula; I wanted to evaluate the program and figure out ways to enhance it first so as to make it a truly valuable and effective tool," White says.

That said, The Cancer Crusaders Organization announces that the program will be made available in 2008. White's first book - ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Programs and Resources was published this Spring and debuted #2 on Amazon.com.

"While the new, revamped version of our original peer educator's training program won't debut until the beginning of next year, we invite people to take part in it now," White says. "We still have the original manual that students can use. In fact, a teenager--a pageant contestant, in Arkansas is currently participating [through] using the original course manual and materials."

Students interested in participating in the original paper course version of White's peer education program are encouraged to contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization. To learn more about White's recent book, or to pre-order copies of her upcoming book, featuring the program, you can send an email to info@cancercrusaders.org.

For more information, or to send a tax-deductible donation, please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization at: PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603.

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Maximizing Sunscreen Efficacy

2007-07-25T18:41:00.001-06:00

What if you could be armed with an invisible force field that would protect you and your loved ones from any unseen dangers and harm? Sounds good, right? To have a secure way of ensuring you and your loved ones are safe all day, every day, would definitely be ideal. What if I told you that your search for this invisible bulletproof vest has been right under your nose and that you can get it at your favorite dermatologist’s office? That lifesaving product is none other than sunscreen.

Sunscreen, when used properly, works much akin to a coat of armor; an almost invisible bulletproof vest that contains organic molecules that absorb, scatter and reflect ultraviolet radiation, thus protecting you and your family members from a silent killer called the sun. Over-exposure to UV rays means a significantly heightened risk for skin cancer, which is the commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and, yet, the most preventable.

Two decades ago, sunscreen was relatively unheard of, whereas today it is part of our common jargon. Increased awareness of skin cancer and the importance of sunscreen, even sun protective clothing have, in ways, only further confused us and perhaps even caused us to ignore the warnings. Have you ever wondered why there have been occasions when you slapped on a pound of SPF 45 before hitting the beach only return home burnt to a crisp? The problem is, we are told to use sunscreen but aren’t being instructed on how to properly apply it; to maximize its efficacy.
Unlike a bulletproof vest, however, sunscreen must be re-applied in order for it to properly provide protection from ultraviolet radiation. Consider the 30-20-2 rule: Apply an SPF 15+ sunscreen on at least 30-minutes prior to going outdoors—even on cloudy and cold days, reapply it within the first 20-minutes of being outside, and then reapply consistently in two hour intervals. (For children under 18, sunscreen must be applied every hour). The reason sunscreen works this way is based on the mechanics of our skin.

As we learned in the beginning of this course, our skin works much how a sponge does. The top layer, the epidermis, absorbs sunscreen, forming a protective layer on top of the skin that blocks UV rays from reaching the melanocytes that lie deep within the skin. Yet, your skin reaches its saturation point after approximately two hours, thus leaving you unprotected from ultraviolet exposure and causing sunburn and/or other skin-related damage. Hence, it is imperative that a broad-spectrum sunscreen be reapplied in order to maximize its protective powers.

Alas, not all sunscreen products out on the market today work proficiently. To deliver optimum level of protection, a sunscreen must have sufficient quantities of essential ingredients. In other words, when choosing the best sunscreen product for your family, take a look at the bottle— You will want to make sure it contains proven effective agents such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. (Preferably, a minimum 5% of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Furthermore, make sure the product is a broad-spectrum formula, meaning that it blocks both UV-B and UV-A rays. If the sunscreen is not broad-spectrum, do not buy it! You are not being sufficiently protected or covered.

The significance of a broad-spectrum sunscreen cannot be over-emphasized. UV-B and UV-A rays have varied affects on your skin, your immune system, and your body as a whole. UV-B irradiation disrupts the melanocytes, causing them to release the redness known as sunburn. Any change in the color of your skin as a result of over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation is damage to your skin, even if your skin tends to tan as opposed to burn. Any change in your skin pigmentation is your melanocytes way of telling you that normal, healthy cells have been severely disrupted and, thus, they are trying to compensate for the damage they have sustained (but photo damage from ultraviolet radiation is un-repairable). On the other hand, damage to your skin caused by UV-A irradiation is far more serious. UV-A rays are especially harmful as they penetrate deep beneath your epidermis, into the layer underneath known as the dermis. Typically, the immediate affects of UV-A rays are not visible, but they are the chief culprit behind photo-aging and wrinkling. Have you ever left basketball outside in the hot summer sun for a lengthy period of time? Then, when you went to retrieve the ball, you almost immediately notice that the elasticity of the ball has weakened. The ball feels almost as if it has melted and never quite bounces back. This is exactly what happens to your skin as a result of prolonged UV-A exposure. Both UV-B and UV-A rays have cumulative affects and coupled together can lead to skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is a known carcinogen that adversely damaging affects on a variety of biological systems.

Thusly, make sure you understand SPF when purchasing a brand of sunscreen, and do not be fooled by those that claim to deliver a high level of protection. For starters, SPF stands for sun protection factor (or sunburn protection factor). The way SPF works can be best described by the following example:

A SPF 20 sunscreen is only allowing five out of every 100 UV protons to reach your skin. In other words, it is protecting you from an estimated 95% of UV rays. Therefore it is strongly recommended that a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen be used year-round. Yet, if you are planning a long, leisurely day at the lake or even a marathon day on the ski slopes, up your sunscreen to a SPF 30 and be sure to apply the 30-20-2 rule so as to prevent a painful reminder of your day of recreation. It is noteworthy to mention that, according to the American Cancer Society, 60% of Americans suffered [at least] one severe blistering sunburn last year as a result of improper sunscreen application and use. Could this lack of proper sun safety be contributing to the ever-increasing skin cancer incidence? How many skin cancers could be avoided if we were to only properly use a SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen? Certainly the world’s most common cancer can be prevented if we are more proactive about properly protecting ourselves with adequate sunscreen. Would the crusaders of old leave their homes to face a battle without being adequately armed with protection or equipped with the proper weapons to defend themselves from the enemy at-hand? Of course not! So, be sure to properly and regularly apply sunscreen to your skin. After all, a well-made sunscreen is the closest to a bulletproof vest we have against a growing epidemic—skin cancer.

To learn more about sunscreens, check out ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources.

Be SunSavvy,
Danielle.

PS: Blue Lizard is my personal favorite. Check it out and see for yourself.

A Call for Entries

2007-07-25T16:52:00.000-06:00

The summer heat is on, and that means a need for increased awareness for the world’s most common cancer—skin cancer.

While riding on the coat tails of her recently released book ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, author and co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization, Danielle M. White, invites all budding writers to participate in an essay contest for Skin Cancer Awareness.

“Skin cancer incidence in the U.S., and across the globe, continues to rise at an alarming rate,” White says. “In fact, melanoma is killing more women ages 20-39 than any other cancer. Yet, this disease is preventable!” White continues, “In our on-going effort to raise awareness and educate people—especially young adults—about skin cancer, we thought an essay contest would be a great way to generate interest and participation, as well as provide further educational opportunities to our communities.”

White, who is currently working on a revision of her original peer education program which made its official debut last summer, and has piqued the interest of the American Academy of Dermatology, is planning to feature at least one of the winning essays in her next book – Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer, which will feature the peer education program, is due out early 2008.

“Part of finding effective ways of teaching young adults about skin cancer, and recruiting their participating in awareness efforts, is reaching out to them and finding out what interests them most,” White says. “How can we effectively teach a 15-year-old or a 25-year-old if we don’t know what they know? Not only will this essay contest be a great tool for community outreach, but it will give us all here at The Cancer Crusaders Organization insight into the unique and specific educational needs of this target public. In turn, we can better serve them.” White adds that occasionally dermatologists, though they are the experts in skin cancer prevention, forget what youth want and need to know about skin cancer. “That is my job as a skin cancer educator; to be the bridge between the dermatologists and the communities and find out how to teach young adults in a way that is meaningful to them; to personalize the message and bring it close to home,” she says.

And part of bringing that message close to home is hosting an essay contest.

“We encourage everyone to participate, particularly the 15 to 30-year-olds,” says White. “We are looking for essays that discuss issues related to the increased popularity of tanning in our culture and how that has contributed to rising skin cancer incidence over the last century. We are also looking for essays that will provide possible solutions for increasing awareness and improving skin cancer prevention education.”

To participate in the Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer essay contest, please follow the rules and guidelines as follows:

• Essay must be original work (no previously published essays, please). Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will disqualify your entry.
• Essay should be in MLA format, complete a Works Cited, proper citations, and a cover sheet.
• Essay should not exceed 1,000 words in length (maximum) and should be at least 500 words (minimum).
• No offensive language or potentially libelous information will be accepted.
• Good grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Writers should properly employ the rules of technical writing.
• Please include your first and last name, age, hometown, school (if appropriate), and email in the top right-hand corner of the first page. (Please be sure to include your mailing address when submitting your essay).
• Please submit your essay, and your $15.00 tax-deductible entry fee by September 7, 2007 to the following:
The Cancer Crusaders Organization
P.O. Box 2076 Provo, Utah 84603

The Cancer Crusaders Organization will choose three winning essays; one from each of the following age groups: 15-19, 20-30, and 31+. The winners will receive Skin Cancer Awareness merchandise, a bottle of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, and a complimentary copy of White’s recent book – ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources now available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The first place winner will also receive a cash scholarship, and their essay will be featured in White’s next book.

For more information and/or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact The Cancer Crusaders Organization.

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PS: Check out what a registered nurse had to say about the essay contest.

The Price of a Tan

2007-07-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

I can still remember the thick air of disdain that oozed from her email -

"I don't go tanning anymore, Danielle! Are you happy? You convinced me that it's dangerous. After listening to you (and Natalie) talk about it for the past four years I have realized that it's dangerous, and so I only use sunless tanning foams now. I hope that makes you happy. Love, Erika."

I can also remember the profound sense of relief (and, yes, satisfaction) that I felt knowing that one of my close friends/former pageant girls made the decision--for herself--to discontinue the use of tanning beds. Erika has known about the dangers of tanning for years now. She has heard our friend Natalie, a former Miss Utah, talk about it many times. She has heard me "preach" about it almost incessantly. Yet, it was a decision that she had to make. "I finally realize that it's just not worth the risk," she says. "So, I use the sunless tanners now instead."

Indeed, tanning comes with a heavy price. Whoever coined the phrase beauty is pain, clearly never met anyone who has battled melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Let me introduce you to several women who, like many young women today had a long-standing love affair with the sun and tanning beds, have battled malignant melanoma.

The melanoma warrior who stands out most in my mind is Robin Lawrence. As a farmer's daughter, she spent many days out in sun working the fields growing up in Evansville, Indiana. As a teenager, Robin was a fan of using Baby Oil and iodine to achieve a darker, crisper shade of brown. "I seized every opportunity to be in the sun and work on my tan," she says. Then, Robin took an interest in body building. "A tan was an important part of professional body building," Robin says. So, she began frequenting tanning beds throughout her 20s. That is, until she was diagnosed with melanoma. Since March 2002, Robin has had nearly 200 suspicious moles and lesions removed from her skin and has battled malignant melanoma five times. "Every day, I live in fear that the next one is going to get me [...] I worry that I won't see my daughter graduate from high school. It's that constant fear that motivates me to teach other young people about the very real dangers of tanning and melanoma," she says. (Read more about Robin's story in ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources).

Like Robin, Shonda Shilling (pictured above) the wife of baseball star Curt Shilling and a young mother of four, was also a fan of "soaking up the almost unfiltered rays of the Arizona sun." Since January 1999, Shonda has six melanomas removed. "I had told myself very early on that people DO DIE from this, but grasping that was much harder since this was a personal struggle," Shonda says. "I [have] received letter upon letter from people around the world that had fought this [disease] horribly. Since my original diagnosis I have had two Stage II melanomas, and four melanoma incitus removed from my back, chest, legs and arms in five different surgeries. I also became aware that Arizona has the highest melanoma rate in this U.S." As such, Shonda has now been a prominent figure in the skin cancer community, teaching youngsters about sun safety.

And there is Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006, who was first diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 20. "I have a white scar that runs across the back of my right rib cage that reminds me," Brittany says. "I want to warn others my age that the price of a tan is too high when you put yourself in harm's way." Since Brittany's initial diagnosis with melanoma a couple of years ago, she has had more than 20 suspicious moles removed. "To me, being tan is not worth losing my life over," she said. "I'm going to be pale and that's who I am," she says. "The price of a tan is just too high."

Fortunately, these three women won their battle with the "Black Tumor." Yet, many others have been taken from us. There is Charlie Guild, Colette Coyne, and Jaime Regen Rea - all in their 20s when melanoma robbed them of their bright futures. And there is Eric Johnson, (my friend Natalie's brother), who, at age 21, passed away just two months after his initial diagnosis. Eric had just returned home from serving a mission for his church when he was diagnosed with melanoma. And he had a full four-year college scholarship waiting for him. "He didn't even have a chance to fight", Natalie says. (You can also read more about Natalie in my book).

Every hour (68-minutes), melanoma takes another person -- a friend, a brother, a mother. This both baffles me and disturbs me greatly. While there are various deadly diseases that we can do very little to prevent, melanoma is largely preventable. It is irresponsible for us to assume that the use of tanning beds does not pose a very real and serious threat to people, especially our young adults; to say that the tanning is not dangerous when it emits ultraviolet radiation which is a known carcinogen is to say that melanoma is not a serious health concern. And if melanoma is not a serious health concern, then why does it kill more women ages 20-39 in America than any other disease? Why does melanoma kill about 24 people a day here in the U.S.?

Tanning is a dangerous. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to an increased risk for melanoma. That said, if we can prevent 90-95% of the melanomas diagnosed than I think we have a responsibility - not to mention an obligation - to protect people from it. Melanoma is deadly, but it is preventable. So, let us protect people, particularly our young adults, from it. As the Hippocratic oath states, we have an obligation to do no harm. Thusly, if we can eliminate (or reduce) danger to save a life then we, as humans, ought to...

After all, as Brittany said, the price is simply too high. Being a 20-something woman myself - every time I hear of another 20-something dying, it makes me wonder is a tan to die for? And I quickly realize that the answer is a reverberating NO!

* The photo above is used with permission of the SHADE Foundation and Glamor Magazine

The Truth about Tanning - An introduction

2007-07-23T16:56:00.001-06:00

Each day I surf the net for the latest news on skin cancer; to check out skin cancer-related sites and publications, to see the status of my book - ONLY SKIN DEEP?, and keep my finger on the pulse of all things skin cancer/dermatology. After all, how can effectively educate others about the world's most common preventable cancer, if I am not continuously abreast of the latest developments, right? Right.

So today, while doing research I was stunned to find a disturbing website maintained by a doctor who claims that tanning is healthy--and natural. I nearly fell out of my chair in shock and dismay. The real truth is that there is no such thing as a safe tan from the sun or from tanning beds. A tan is a sign of cell damage; the melanocytes in your skin (the cells responsible for pigmentation) are trying to repair the damage sustained by UV exposure. Yet, ultraviolet damage is un-repairable. And, we all know that damage to DNA poses a heightened risk for cancer--even melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

That said, I am posting an article that I wrote last year about the dangers of tanning. (I will be devoting several posts to the subject of tanning).

The Truth About Tanning - An Introduction

It is official. Spring has sprung, bringing along with it spring fever. I can see it in my students' eyes. They are practically breaking out in hives itching to soak up the warm spring sun, despite the fact they are sitting in a class that discusses skin cancer prevention.

Alas, despite their instructor's desperate pleadings, these 20-something-year-old college students find it difficult, if not arduous, to forgo their so-called need to tan that Hollywood constantly feeds and propagates. And while it is scientifically impossible for anyone to get a safe tan from tanning beds and other forms of ultraviolet radiation, there are several high-quality sunless tanning mousses that not only achieve that coveted bronze look, naturally, but also provide essential sun protection. Now my students, even my pageant girls, can have the best of both worlds.

They no longer have to walk into class with guilt-ridden faces knowing they have completely disregarded the very real dangers associated with using tanning beds. They are happy and healthy. And that makes this skin cancer crusader, happy.

Yet, despite the fact I am slowly replacing their love for tanning with a safe alternative -- sunless tanning foams such as those developed and manufactured by Neostrata (which garnered a prestigious Gold Triangle Award from the American Academy of Dermatology), there remains a deeply pressing concern; a lingering question. How do we, as skin cancer educators, effectively tackle the culture of tanning, and thus significantly reduce the alarming increase in skin cancer incidence and mortality as a result of frequenting tanning salons?

The bottom-line is that there is no such thing as a safe tan. Any tan is damage to your skin. And that is a fact. The Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) would have the consumer-driven pop culture hold to the myth that tanning beds are safe, and are even a viable way of treating a variety of skin issues such as acne, or even Seasonal Affective Disorder. Such claims are false, even irresponsible and potentially deadly, and credible scientific research proves it. There is no way to achieve a safe, healthy tan from tanning beds or other sources of ultraviolet radiation.

Consider the following:

The American Academy of Dermatology, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently conducted a lengthy and independent research study which sheds some light on this issue, thus proving valuable insight into a media-inundated industry wrought with misleading, confusing, and even erroneous claims about tanning. They discovered, through numerous surveys, that more than 61% of women 18 and older (and 69% of men) equate a tan with beauty and health .

"Despite the fact that we know that there is no such thing as a safe tan, people still associate bronzed skin with beauty and health," said Dr. Darrel S. Rigel, clinical professor at New York University Medical Center. "What's even more surprising is that the survey showed that 62 % of men and women responded that they know someone who has or had skin cancer, which depending on its location and severity does nothing to improve your looks and can be very detrimental to your health."

Dr. Elizabeth Whitmore, who, like Dr. Rigel, is a member of the AAD, agrees. "People continue to invest both time and money into visiting tanning salons despite evidence which have found an increased incidence of melanoma the deadliest form of skin cancer in those who visit indoor tanning salons." Joyce Ayoub, director of public information at the Skin Cancer Foundation further attests to this fact. "There is a myth that people like to believe, but it is a myth; not fact. Any tan means damage to the skin."

Further illustrating this point is a study headed by a team of scientists and researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. These researchers discovered that the use of tanning beds and artificial tanning light sources even just once, can, indeed, lead to molecular changes in the skin that may lead to cancer. "In comparing the effects of a teenager who was exposed for the first dose of tanning beds to multiple doses it is evident that there is damage sustained to the molecular structure of the skin even having only been exposed once," Whitmore says.

The researchers at Johns Hopkins, who conducted the study of 10 teenagers who were exposed to full-body tanning beds over a period of two weeks, found that the subjects' skin and blood, (which was carefully analyzed both prior to the UV exposure and after the exposure) had two distinct markers that indicated molecular change.

Whitmore adds, "It's another indication that there is biologic activity and that there is cell damage when the skin is exposed to UV rays. This repair process can eventually fail to do its job completely or correctly causing the cells to replicate abnormally [...] this breakdown in the normal functioning of cells can lead to malignant cancer."

In actual fact, the AAD asserts that nearly 90% of skin carcinomas are a result of over-exposure to UV rays.

Recently, The Cancer Crusaders Organization randomly surveyed 500 college-aged students in Utah, Massachusetts, and Tennessee (18-to-25), and found that nearly 100% reported to having used a tanning bed at least once in their lifetime.

After having been apprised of the risks and dangers associated with tanning, many were undeterred. "Not only does tanning help my acne, it helps me a lot during this time of year when there's a great deal of pressure with upcoming finals and during the stresses of the holidays," says Amanda, a senior Brigham Young University. "Even though, I am aware of the dangers of tanning, there is still that temptation; I haven't stopped using tanning beds and I never use sunscreens."

The significance protecting your skin from the harmful affects of UV-B and UV-A rays goes almost without saying; however, I emphasize it emphatically to both my students and especially to my pageant contestants. UV-B and UV-A rays have varied affects on your skin, your immune system, and your body as a whole. UV irradiation disrupts the melanocytes, causing them to release the redness known as sunburn. Any change in the color of your skin as a result of over-exposure to the sun is damage to your skin, even if your skin tends to "tan" as opposed to burn.

All changes in the color of your skin as a result of UV exposure is the melanocytes trying to tell you that normal, healthy cells have been severely disrupted. Have you ever left basketball outside in the hot summer sun for a lengthy period of time? And after you retrieved the ball, you immediately notice that the elasticity of the ball is weakened it feels rubbery and never quite bounces back? This is exactly what happens to your skin as a result of prolonged UV exposure. Both UV-B and UV-A rays have cumulative effects and coupled together can lead to melanoma skin cancer.

In sum, if you must heed the need to be golden, opt for sunless tanning mousses. There are quality dermatologically-approved sunless tanning mousses available that are reasonably priced, and will give you evenly distributed color, but will do it without the harmful affects of UV-rays. Now you can have the best of both worlds -- good looks and good health.

So, there you have it - there is no such thing as a safe tan from a tanning bed or from the sun. Stayed tuned for my next post on the dangers of tanning. In the meantime, I invite you to do research more about the science of tanning and skin cancer, by visiting the official Web-site of the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org.

Be SunSavvy,
Danielle.

The Skinny on Skin Cancer

2007-07-19T16:39:00.000-06:00

Often times, when teaching a classroom filled with high school/college students someone will say something to the effect of "But no one really dies from skin cancer" or "Tanning isn't a big deal - it's just hype."

This never ceases to shock me. In fact, comments such as these scare me; it is a stark reminder that I have my work cut out for me when it comes to teaching youth about skin cancer prevention.

With it being summer, many folks are soaking up the sun trying to achieve a coveted shade of bronze; however, before you do here are a few facts to consider. Perhaps, you will think twice before going outside without being armed with ample amounts of sunscreen. I hope, too, that you will make a commitment to forgo the tanning beds.

2007 Skin Cancer Facts and Figures

• More than half of all new cancers diagnosed are skin cancers.
* Every five minutes another woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with skin cancer.
• More than 1.3-million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year.
• About 79% of new skin cancer cases will be basal cell carcinoma; 16% will be squamous cell carcinoma; 5% will be melanoma—the deadliest form.
• Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas are 95% curable if detected in their early stages.
• An estimated 10,590 people in the United States will die of skin cancer this year; more than 8,000 from melanoma and 2,820 from other skin cancers (such as Merkel cell).
• There will be about 106,000 new cases of melanoma this year – 46,170 in situ (non-invasive) and 59,580 invasive (33,580 men and 26,000women). This is a 10% percent increase in new cases of melanoma from 2004.
• One person dies of melanoma every hour (68-minutes).
• The incidence rate of melanoma more than tripled among Caucasians between 1980 and 2003.
• More than 75% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.
• Melanoma is more common than any other cancer among women between 25 and 29-years-old. (Take, for instance, Colette Coyne, pictured above).
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop some from of skin cancer during their lifetime. (1 in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime).
• Five or more sunburns doubles your risk for skin cancer.
• More than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
• The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.
• Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men over the age 50, exceeding prostate, lung and colon cancer.
• Men over age 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest amount of annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Melanoma is the third most common cancer in women aged 20 to 39.
• The percentage of women under age 40 with basal cell carcinoma has tripled in the last thirty years, while their rate of squamous cell cancer has increased four-fold.

Melanoma

• Approximately 59,940 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with nearly 8,110 resulting in death.
• More than 20 people die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.
• 1 in 59 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
• One blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.
• While melanoma is fairly uncommon in African-Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it is most deadly for these populations because it is more likely to develop undetected.
• After melanoma has spread, the survival rate falls to between 15 and 65%, depending on how far the disease has spread.
• The cost of melanoma in the United States is more than $740 million annually.

Teens and Tanning

• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen (cancer-causing), according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%.
• Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. use indoor tanning facilities; 2.3 million of them are youth under the age of 18.
• On an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons; 70% are Caucasian women between the ages of 16 and 49.
• People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
• Even occasional use of tanning beds almost triples the chances of developing melanoma.
• New high-pressure sunlamps do, in fact, emit ultraviolet radiation that can be as much as 15 times that of the sun.
• The indoor tanning industry has an estimated revenue of $5 billion annually.
• An estimated 90% of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. These changes can be seen in the late teens and early 20s.

Skin cancer may be the most commonly diagnosed cancer, but it is also the most PREVENTABLE! Make a commitment - here and now - to protect yourself, and those you love, from skin cancer. And, please take a few moments to participate in the polls located to the left of your screen. Thank you!

Yours in the fight,
Danielle.

Learn more about skin cancer (and read more stories like Colette's) in ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources.

Show you Care!

2007-07-18T15:06:00.000-06:00

While national Skin Cancer Awareness month may have already passed (it is in May), rallying support for the cause is a year-round endeavor.

So, help us spread the word and save lives by showing you care. There are a variety of ways to become involved with skin cancer prevention education. You can volunteer with your local melanoma foundation (a list of them is provided for you in my book - ONLY SKIN DEEP?. You can make a charitable donation. You can also show you care by sporting your Skin Cancer Awareness pin (or hat) which features the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol.

When we first incorporated The Cancer Crusaders Organization in 2004, the ribbon was still relatively new and very few people knew about it. Today, we have introduced the ribbon to more than 300,000,000 across the globe. Yet, we not only want to introduce people to the ribbon; rather, rally their support and recruit their participation in skin cancer prevention education efforts.

Did you know? Every hour another person dies from melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer. Yet, skin cancer is 90-95% preventable. Help us raise awareness by showing you you care.

Yours in the fight,
Danielle.

PS: I would enjoy seeing photos of you sporting the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol. The top three best photos will receive a complimentary, autographed copy of my book - ONLY SKIN DEEP? Please send your photos to me at info@cancercrusaders.org by August 1st.

It's in the Works

2007-07-17T18:49:00.000-06:00

It's in the works, folks!

Many of my friends and peers have been asking me to write a book about my personal experiences with cancer; about losing my mother at age 15, and my experiences working with the cancer community. I have been making an earnest effort to work on this book, but truth be told - I am not quite ready for it....yet. I am hoping to revisit that project next year, but we'll see. I am not making any guarantees about it, though.

On a brighter note, however, I have contracted to do another book. It will feature the peer education curriculum that I developed for youth and will officially debut in early 2008. So, while my friends may be disappointed, my fellow skin cancer crusaders will be delighted to hear that I am finally making this program available to the masses via a book entitled Preventing the Most Preventable Cancer: Training Youth to Teach their Peers about Skin Cancer Prevention.

I first introduced my peer education program in 2006 through a pilot program called ONLY SKIN DEEP? (which is, incidentally the title of my first book). With six volunteer college students as my "lab rats", and several thousand listeners tuning in each week to hear me teach it via internet radio, many skin cancer education organizations - including the American Academy of Dermatology - have taken a sincere interest. I have been spinning my wheels trying to determine which method and through which avenue would be best to make this program available to these organizations, as well as universities, but kept encountering roadblocks thus delaying the project. So, what does a skin cancer crusader with extremely limited funds do to make it all happen - she keeps plugging (and she gets creative). With that, I am proud to announce that, at long last, I have found two methods that I think will behoove all those interested in utilizing the program to teach youth about skin cancer. The first avenue of delivery is through book #2 (and don't worry my students won't do the copy editing, again! HA!)

If you have any questions about skin cancer, sun safety, and teaching youth, that you would like to see addressed in this book, please feel free to email me! And if you have stories about working with the skin cancer community that you would like to share, I would love to hear those, as well. We also welcome sponsors who are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to us better serve the community.

In the meantime, I hope you will grab a copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. All the proceeds will go to funding the continued development of effective skin cancer education programs for youth.

Happy Reading!

Danielle.
info@cancercrusaders.org

Sunburn Rates Going Up

2007-07-05T18:33:00.001-06:00

I spent the Fourth of July with my good friend/former room-mate Jenny and her wonderful family. Everyone enjoyed a SunSavvy holiday; our little parade-going, barbequeing, and fireworks-watching group was lathered up in sunscreen, and several of them talked about different parts of the Only Skin Deep? book. (People are actually reading the book! How wonderful!) Many of them were talking about what they learned about sunscreens, and why some people burn easily whereas others tan. We had several discussions about how the sun is so intense here in Utah. It is always so nice when people ask me questions about skin cancer and sun protection. I never tire of the almost-incessant "preaching" about sun safety. The fact that skin cancer is so preventable - 95% preventable - is a message of hope. And to be bring people a positive, and extremely pertinent message is not only a responsibility that I take very seriously but is a privilege and a blessing. Each discussion, each article, each message - we are saving lives from a very preventable disease. (Though, Jenny probably wishes that I wouldn't talk about it all the time, even at her family gatherings).

Speaking of preventing sunburns, I received an email from the Utah Cancer Control Program that stated more Americans are getting sunburnt than ever before. And, much to my dismay, Utah ranks second (next to the U.S. Virgin Islands) in the number of people who get sunburnt every year (and how often).

I wish that the report indicated the reasons why more people are getting sunburnt. Is is because people fail to apply sunscreen? Is it because nearly all the sunscreens at the grocery store fail to provide sufficient sun protection? Is it because people aren't being educated about proper application, and reapplication, of sunscreen?

Interestingly, high-risk states* such as Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida, ranked lower on the list. In fact, Arizona has fewer people get sunburnt than any other state in the country. This is amazing considering the fact that there are more than 300 days of sunshine in Arizona. It would appear the sun safety education programs in Arizona are making a profound impact.

Alas, Utahns are still "not getting it" when it comes to proper, year-round sunscreen use. While I continue to distribute sunscreen samples out as if they were candy, I have my work cut out for me. I a lot of work to do in educating people, especially young adults and families in Utah, about sun safety. Occasionally, I wonder what's it going to take? Do you have to lose your 21-year-old brother, like my dear friend/co-founder Natalie Johnson-Hatch did? Do you have to face melanoma as a young mother like my colleagues Robin Lawrence, Lisa Chase, Catherine Poole, and Shonda Schilling did? What's it going to take for people to recognize the importance of proper sun protection? Is it that it's just too simple? The fact that skin cancer is so preventable, people think that it must not be a serious and potentially deadly disease - is that it? As I teach skin cancer prevention, I am also learning. I'm still thinking, still pondering, still searching, and still praying for insights and answers - what can I do to positively impact the community, and save lives from this unnecessary yet very real epidemic?

To learn more about what you can to protect yourself from skin cancer, how to find an effective sunscreen, and about programs available in your area, pick up your copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. You will learn valuable tools about reducing your risk for skin cancer, and support the cause!

I also invite you to contact me for a complimentary sample of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen -- the best stuff on the planet, in my book. (no pun intended).

Be SunSavvy,
Danielle.

The Cancer Crusaders Organization
PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603
801.863.6351
info@cancercrusaders.org

* high-risk meaning that residents are at a higher risk for skin cancer due to environmental factors such as days of sunshine, higher land elevation, etc.

The Ties that Bind

2007-06-28T10:18:00.000-06:00

Many people know that it was my beloved mother who first inspired me to work with the cancer community. (I lost her to cancer when I was a teenager) Many people also know that my dear friend, and co-founder, Natalie Johnson-Hatch is another source of inspiration for me. Natalie lost her 21-year-old brother to melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer. Upon learning of this and realizing that skin cancer is 90-95% preventable (unlike breast cancer which claimed my mother), I have since been an enthusiastic skin cancer prevention education advocate!

Recently, when doing some genealogy work, I discovered that my Great Grandpa Drake (my mother’s grandfather) died of melanoma.

Now, I realize why I have felt so prompted to be involved with skin cancer prevention. While it first began as a sincere desire to help my dear friend Natalie achieve her dream of a universally accepted Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon, and then grew into a passion for spreading a message of hope—skin cancer is an unnecessary epidemic; it is the spirit of those who have gone before who are sending their love and support, and who are, along with Heavenly Father, guiding me along the path. I just never knew that one of those melanoma warriors was my own flesh-and-blood; my Great Grandpa “Gramps” Drake who died the year I was born.

In honor of him (and his wife); in honor of all those touched by this deadly yet very preventable disease—

I shall continue to fight the good fight.

Love,
Danielle.

SunSavvy Baby

2007-06-20T17:49:00.000-06:00

Today is one of those days that made me smile.

First, as I was riding my bike to work I noticed a lady who cleans the bike path and cares for all the plants. In truth, I have seen this lady several times in the past couple of weeks. Each time I see her, I think to myself: Why doesn't she have a hat and any sunscreen? She's going to fry. So, I gave her a small tube of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscream, told her how important it was/is for her to protect her skin from the intense Utah sun, and thanked her for maintaining the bike path. The plants and treats always look so lovely.

Incidentally, several hours later, while at work, one of my co-workers sent me the following link: http://www.freewebarcade.com/game/sunburn/
"I saw this thing about sunburns and immediately thought 'this is something Danielle would enjoy'" It definitely drives the message home about the dangers of sunburns! Thanks, Tom!

A few minutes later my friend and fellow cancer crusader, Margaret, sent me an instant message that said "check out of friend Josh's blog." So, I logged into Josh's blog and read a fictional story about a scientist trying to save the world from sunburns by finding the miracle of SPF. I have not seen or talked to Josh in two years, so it was random that he wrote a blog entry about SPF and the dangers of the sun! Nevertheless, I got a good chuckle of out it!

And for the grand finale...

A few minutes ago I decided to surf the net and give my eyes a break from a long day of editing. I was looking to see if my old friend and former cancer crusader, John, had a family website. His daughter, Ruby, just turned one and I had been thinking about her for several days - wondering how the family was doing in Arizona. Behold, I found John's wife's blog and that is when I found a picture of Ruby in the sun protective swimsuit I gave her (before she was even born!) Ruby is the most darling SunSavvy Baby on the planet. Check Ruby out as she poses for her first public service announcement about the importance of protecting youngsters from the sun! Is she not the next Water Baby? (or should I say the next Baby Blue Lizard?)

Needless to say, though I am a "skin cancer geek" as Margaret would say (heck, I have been debating whether or not to send a box of sunscreen to Melissa's dad, since he runs a pool cleaning business and I know that he turns black from the Texas sun during this time of year!); it makes me smile to know that some of the preaching about sun safety makes a difference. (Too bad the guys at work still haven't touched the gallon pump of Blue Lizard sunscreen that I bought for the office!)

Be SunSavvy,
Danielle.

Truth in Sunscreen Advertising

2007-06-15T15:18:00.000-06:00

Perhaps, I am growing increasingly irritable as I get older. I recently turned 28. So, I would still be considered young in the eyes of most people (except those who live in Utah County. It's okay - I can joke about that because I live in Utah County).

Yet, the past couple of weeks there have been a series of commercials that have caused my left eyebrow to arch and raise upward, and provoked me to verbal outbursts of immense annoyance.

First, let us begin with the sunscreen advertisements. Every one of these commercials make statements about a particular sunscreen product that either dangerously misleading or outright false. "Sunscreen that just won't quit"; "All day projection" ; "Sunscreen eliminates the signs of past sun damage and corrects past sun damage"; "Completely water proof." ALL of these statements are misleading, even false. I have to wonder how is it and why is it that these sunscreen companies can legally get a way with perpetuating such fallacious and potentially harmful statements? Why doesn't the FDA regulate sunscreens? Why doesn't the FCC require that advertisers tell the truth--completely and totally--all the time, about their product? Why aren't these companies accountable to their consumers?

Here are a fewfacts about sunscreens:

* Sunscreen, based on the mechanics of our skin, loses its protection efficacy after approximately two hours. Our skin absorbs the sunscreen, thus sunscreen must be reapplied at least every two hours. Period. No sunscreen can offer eight hours or "all day" protection against ultraviolet radiation.

* If you figure that a sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 is deflecting 95 out of every 100 UV protons from reaching your skin, than there really isn't anything more potent or effective than a SPF 30. Thusly, sunscreens labeled SPF 45 or 60 are essentially marketing ploys.

* Sunscreens, in order to provide effective broad-spectrum protection against both UV-B and UV-A rays, must have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These two organic ingredients reflect and deflect ultraviolet rays from being absorbed by the skin. Parasol 1789 (avobenzone) and oxybenzone are not sufficient. These tend to lose potency after about 30 minutes of being exposed to ultraviolet light, whereas zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, when combined together in proper amounts in a sunscreen (at least 5% of each) provide broad-spectrum protection and do not lose their efficacy.

* Sunscreen expires after about a year. Yet, if you are using sunscreen every day, all-year-round; reapplying it every two hours, you will not have to worry about expired sunscreen.

* Any sunscreen that is less than a SPF 15 is basically worthless. If you consider that a plain white 100% T-shirt is equivalent to a SPF 6, and that you can still get a sunburn (or tan) through a shirt than a sunscreen that is less than SPF 15 is bogus. (Though, I suppose it's better than nothing at all).

* No sunscreen can be entirely water-proof or sweat-proof. YOU MUST REAPPLY SUNSCREEN! Period.

* There are sunscreens available that are fragrance-free, non-greasy, hypoallergenic, that won't sting your eyes, turn you white, or promote acne break-outs and/or other skin reactions and conditions. In fact, if you have been diagnosed with ezcema or rosacea, your dermatologist probably explained the importance of sunscreen use to you.

* Sunscreen is not suitable for babies under the age of six months. In fact, infants this young should not be directly exposed to sunlight. Yet, babies six months and older should always have ample amount of sunscreen applied -- and reapplied -- because just one blistering sunburn before age 18 can almost triple your chances of having skin cancer as an adult.

* Everyone needs to wear sunscreen - whether you are a fair-skinned woman of Irish-German decent like me, or if you have olive skin or black skin -- everyone needs to wear sunscreen. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer.

Clearly, I have strong opinions about commercials (and other advertisements) that promote myths, misconceptions, distorted versions of the truth, or even outright falsehoods about sunscreens.

Research the facts. Talk to a board certified dermatologist. Contact the American Academy of Dermatology and ask for publications that detail the unbiased scientific research that has been done on sunscreens. And to learn more about how to maximize your sunscreen efficacy, pick up a copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources.

In sum, be sure you and your loved ones use a quality sunscreen -- every day, year-round, even on cloudy days! It is akin to an invisible forcefield; a shield of armor against harmful, and potentially deadly, ultraviolet radiation. Skin cancer is so preventable! If you could substantially reduce your risk for having cancer, why not do it?

Always bleeding Blue Lizard and being SunSavvy,
Danielle

PS: Are any of your involved in a truth in advertising campaign regarding sunscreen commercials (and ads about tanning)? If so, I would enjoy hearing your story and learning about the work you are doing. I challenge everyone, when they see commercials and other advertisements that are incorrect, to call the companies on it. Let them know your concerns. Remind them of their responsibilities. Hold them accountable to you and all consumers!

10 years later

2007-06-12T15:02:00.001-06:00

It occurred to me that, instead of taking a 15 minute break from work to write a blog entry, I should be spending the day at a high school reunion. After all, it was exactly 10 years ago today that I graduated high school.

I have gone from the boisterous Sparky the Red Devil Mascot sporting all things Red-n-White to promote school spirit, to the SunSavvy Geek sporting all things orange-n-yellow to promote Skin Cancer Awareness. From a would-be news reporter for the Washington Post, to the author of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources; my life has taken a slightly different route that I had initially planned 10 years ago. Yet, I am pleasantly surprised.

Life has a funny way of showing us what really matters most. It has a way of humbling us as we grow, and change. As I gradually evolve into a better version of myself, I realize and appreciate that [part of] our purpose as human beings is to serve and bless other human beings. We have been given this "unique gift called life", as Gabrielle Reece once said, to improve the lives of those around us.

I hope that you will enjoy me, and others, in helping save lives from this extremely preventable disease. There is still much to be done in conquering skin cancer, but it is possible to reduce the number of lives that it claims. With 90-95% of skin cancers being completely preventable, we can save lives as well as improve the quality of life. Doesn't that provide you with a shining glimmer of hope? Doesn't that inspire you? We have the power to change, improve, and save lives! What an amazing responsibility -- and opportunity -- this is for all of us! Out of something terrible and devastating, we have the ability to transform it into something positive that can bless countless numbers of people.

A month ago, my best friend reminded me, in the wake of a painful and terrible situation that "the Lord works in mysterious ways." At the time, I just shook my head. Yet, I apply that statement now and say, we have the ability to transform the tide of an unnecessary epidemic. In our pain, we can come together and unite and plant the seeds of hope. This is not foolishly optimistic hope; rather it is a real reason to look toward the future for a brighter, better day.

So, will you join us in this crusade to fight skin cancer (and ALL cancers)?

What have you been doing with this charge that He has entrusted us with; to live a life of service, and to bless those around us?

Here's to a cancer-free world, and to letting the people in our lives know how much we love and appreciate them!

Always,
Danielle

Playing Catch Up

2007-06-11T11:33:00.000-06:00

I have been meaning to post a new blog entry for weeks now. If only I could divide myself into multiple people - one of me would go to work, one of me would spend her time Cancer Crusading (and the myriad projects associated with that), one of me would take care of my loved ones and settle the "issues" that are currently pummeling me and my personal life, one of me would take care of my Church duties, one of me would go to San Diego or Hawaii or Ireland for a week for a vacation, and one of me would catch up on my sleep.

Alas, I am learning with each passing day that balance is not an art I have mastered, nor will it ever be... Perhaps, there is a reason why someone coined the term balancing act. It is a continual process. Melissa once told me, "Danielle, you take two steps forward, and sometimes one step back, but as long as you keep moving forward, you'll be okay. Everything will be okay." Unfortunately, when I feel asthough I have made progress, learned valuable lessons, improved, and that things are going well, something happens and reality smacks me in the face and kicks me in the shins. My knees buckle, I'm disoriented, and feel as though I'm stuck between a 100 foot wall and 100 foot cliff. I don't want to fall down nor go backward, but I just don't know how to climb the wall to reach what lies on the other side. How can my progress feel as though it is failure? How can I be growing and maturing emotionally and spiritually, and feel so weak, vulnerable, dissatisfied, and even empty? I think that I am taking steps in the right direction, but then reality pierces my heart and leaves gapping wounds that are so overwhelmingly painful that are likely to leave permanent scars.

But there is no need to worry - I will not make this blog be anything other than what it was intended to be, which is to discuss skin cancer-related topics. Forgive me for steering off topic, slightly. I'm now switching gears, and thinking of a few stories that I have been wanting to share with my readers.

On Memorial Day, my friend (and former room-mate) Amy and her husband Curt invited me to go swimming with their family. When Amy called me up to extend the invitation, her husband shouted out from the background "But you can't get mad at anyone if they don't put on sunscreen, Danielle!" To this, Amy's response was: "Danielle will simply bring a bunch of Blue Lizard Sunscreen samples, and that will take care of that problem!" I love that Amy, who was the one room-mate who refused to put on sunscreen, is now one of the most diligent. Needless to say, the crux of this story is that Curt and Amy decided to that we should go to indoor pool to enjoy a sun-safe day of swimming and friends! (Isn't that funny how all the "preaching" about sun safety does make a difference to people?)

Two weeks ago, my current room-mate (whom I rarely, if ever, see) knocked on my door to inquire about a sunburn. "I have been putting on sunscreen, because I'm outside most of the day at the hangar, and I know the sun is intense here in Utah, but I am still getting burnt. It's like I didn't even put any sunscreen on at all." I asked her to show me the bottle so that I could read the ingredients. "Well, this is why you're still getting burnt. First of all, there isn't any zinc oxide nor is there any titanium dioxide in this sunscreen." When I asked her how she put the sunscreen on, and how often she reapplied it, she then asked me "Does sunscreen expire?" I told her "After a year, the sunscreen does expire. Yet, if you put it on everyday like I told you - 20 minutes before leaving the house, 20 minutes after going outdoors, and then reapplying at least every 2 hours, then you won't have to worry about the sunscreen expiring because you will have used it before the year ends." I then gave her a fistfull of Blue Lizard sunscreen samples.

On Friday, one of my co-workers told me that he had read a recent Consumer Report on sunscreens and that Blue Lizard wasn't on there, to which my boss promptly intercepted and said "Are you going to believe Consumer Reports or a dermatologist? I bet the reason why it's not on the list is because it isn't as readily accessible in all grocery stores like the other ones are, but Blue Lizard is good stuff. It's got what you need." I didn't even have to explain the Australian Government's standards on sunscreen manufacturing and ingredients (which are know to be the strictest in the world), how the FDA here in the U.S. fails to regulate sunscreens, how zinc oxide and titanium dioxide work in protecting our skin from UV-B and UV-A, or how SPF works. My boss pretty much explained it for me by the statement above. It was a proud moment for me. While the other guys at work have yet to touch the one gallon pump of Blue Lizard that I bought for the office, at least my boss is a big sunscreen advocate and is helping me encourage the guys at work.

Today, while riding my bike to work, a young woman running and pushing a stroller asked me "I see you ride your bike to work everyday, but you don't look like you get any sun. What sunscreen do you use?" I was taken off guard by this, but nevertheless appreciated the opportunity of telling her about proper sunscreen usage and giving her a handful of samples.

So, yes, I confess: I carry sunscreen samples around with me in my backpack and in my purse and I distribute them liberally to any and all who give me the chance to share the message about sun safety/skin cancer prevention.

Whether you are my room-mate, my boss or co-worker, neighbor, or even Gary Coleman (see my blog about him), I will give you a sample of Blue Lizard Australian Sunscream, and a message about sun safety. I'm a free PSA that runs 24/7. I'm a SunSavvy Geek. And I'm proud of it.

Be SunSavvy,

Danielle

To learn more about how sunscreens work, and how to maximize their efficacy, check out my book ONLY SKIN DEEP? AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE SKIN CANCER PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES available on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com. It's available in paperback or as an ebook. You can also a personalized autograph copy of it from The Cancer Crusaders Organization. Please send a tax-deductible check for $25.00 to us at:

The Cancer Crusaders Organization
PO BOX 2076 Provo, Utah 84603

Speaking Up

2007-05-25T11:07:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, my friend, and fellow cancer crusader, Margaret and I met up together to begin our pre-Pirates party in honor of the newly released Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (one of my guiltless obsessions is Captain Jack Sparrow).

As we were driving to her place, after picking up some delicious Panda Express (another one of my guiltless obsessions), we drove past a popular apartment complex that had a sign that read "Unlimited Tanning".

We were both shocked and appalled. In truth, Margaret forewarned about this shocking advertisement. "Danielle, I drove past this yesterday and got so angry! I thought 'When Danielle sees this she's going to be angry, too!'"

It's good to know that my friends, as a result of their association with me and their involvement with Cancer Crusaders, are now on the prowl for such infractions as "Unlimited Tanning" signs to entice college students to rent apartments.

All morning, while editing mass quantities of documents here at work, I kept thinking "Should I call up the apartment manager and/or BYU Off-Campus Housing and express my grave concerns over this issue of offering unrestricted access to tanning beds to young adults?" I didn't want to come across as antagonistic or annoying, but there are two simple facts that remain: 1). The use of tanning beds does increase one's risk for melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer; 2). Melanoma is killing more women in their 20s than any other form of cancer.

So, I placed a call to the apartment manager.

I was calm, cool, and collected while offering statistics and facts about melanoma and young adults' risk for this deadly disease; how tanning beds do increase one's risk, etc. Imagine my surprise when the apartment manager told me that is a skin cancer survivor (not melanoma). "So, you are acutely aware of the fact that skin cancer is a serious issue, especially for our young adults who, like us, are in their 20s. You understand why I am so concerned about the fact that you provide unlimited access to tannings beds to your residents!" That is when she snapped. "The students who live here understand the risks and it's their option; it's their choice. They have the right to do what they want." "Ma'am, I don't think you realize that these young adults do not understand the risk involved; they do not understand the seriousness of melanoma. Who can I talk to about this, because this is serious. What can we do to protect these students."

Dial tone.

For several years now, ever since I met my good friend and co-founder, Natalie, I have seen signs, billboards, and other advertisements about tanning that have upset me. I have been so tempted to call and voice my concerns, and/or run a letter-to-the-editor and/or PSA in the local newspaper. Yet, I have never actually spoke up to the tanning industry. I have helped fight for legislation regulating indoor tanning here in Utah, to which I received several pieces of "hate mail". I know of friends and colleagues in the skin cancer community who have received threatening letters, emails, and phone calls. In fact, my friend Robin Lawrence - a five time melanoma survivor who works at the Evansville Cancer Center - has even been threatened with legal action if she did not discontinue giving speeches saying that her addiction to tanning beds as a young woman contributed to the fact that she's battling melanoma in her 30s and 40s.

I do not enjoy stirring up controversy or ruffling feathers. On the whole, I get a long well with people. I, generally, prefer to please people. Yet, when it comes to an issue such as protecting people from deadly cancer, I am passionate. I'm emotionally-invested in this, because the health, safety, happiness, and well-being of individuals is extremely important to me. I was raised to speak the truth, to stick up for others, to serve and protect people especially my loved ones, and to fight for what is true and right.

And the irrefutable fact is that ultraviolet radiation, even from indoor tanning facilities, increases one's risk for melanoma skin cancer. It's scientifically true. Consider the surveys and studies conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology.

And if I can protect someone from having to suffer cancer, I will. I couldn't save my mother from cancer, but I can, perhaps, do something to help another individual; to save their life.

For more information about tanning beds - how they work and the relational link to skin cancer, get out www.aad.org and get your copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Skin Cancer Programs and Resources on Amazon.com today! (You can also learn more about Robin Lawrence, who I mention here in this Blog).

Remember, this about reducing and eliminating skin cancer. It is about saving lives. This not about attacking other people, their business, or an industry. It is not about ruffling feathers or stirring the pot, so to speak. I believe there is a way to work with each other, even if we are on opposing sides, to facilitate professional two-way (and honest) dialogue and thus create a solution to this epidemic. I believe that it will come when all parties involved are willing to address the facts, be honest, and work hard--together. It is hard work educating people. It is hard work protecting people. Yet, it is an important and vital work. THIS IS ABOUT EDUCATING AND PROTECTING YOUNG ADULTS FROM THE WORLD'S MOST COMMON AND PREVENTABLE CANCER!

That said, here's wishing health to you and yours!

United in the cause,
Danielle.

"What You Talkin' 'Bout, Danielle?"

2007-05-15T14:12:00.000-06:00

It was July 2005. I was crossing the street from my humble little Cancer Crusaders' cubical at Utah Valley State College, to Circuit City to get printer paper, a printer cartridge, and other supplies for a trip to Chicago. (Natalie and I were getting ready for the 2005 Gold Triangle Awards ceremony, where the American Academy of Dermatology honored us for the new, national Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon symbol). As I was crossing the street and heading into Circuit City, I saw a gentleman who looked curiously familiar.

"Is that Gary Coleman," I asked myself. Apparently, I asked that question of myself out loud, because it yielded the following response: "Duh! Yes it is Gary Coleman!"

Imagine that. There was Gary Coleman, best known for his role on the 80s television show Diff'rent Strokes, coming out of the Orem, Utah Circuit City.

Thus began, as you likely guessed, an impromptu discussion on why he chose to live in Utah, and why I was sporting a wide-brimmed hat that read "Skin Cancer Awareness" on it. Here's an excerpt of that conversation:

Me: Did you know that Utah's risk for skin cancer is the highest in the nation?
Gary: That's because there's so many of you white folks around here.
Me: There are a large number of fair-skinned people, but even people with darker skin can get skin cancer. In fact, Bob Marely died of melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Gary: Nah.
Me: It's true. You know you can get one of these great wide-brimmed hats featuring the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol and support a great cause.
Gary: Shoot! I ain't gonna get no wide-brimmed hat. I stick out enough as it is already in this town!
Me: (laughs). Well, you should at least be good about slapping on that sunscreen. Here in Utah, we have more intense UV exposure.
Gary: You kiddin', I ain't gonna get no skin cancer.

I half-expected him to say "What you talkin' 'bout, Danielle!" No such luck.

Yet, despite that, I did have the chance to give a mini lesson on sun safety to, of all people, Gary Coleman.

My friend Kathleen and I were reminiscing about adventures we have had over the past couple of years, and one of the stories she brought up was my encounter with Gary Coleman. "Only you, Danielle, would stop someone in their tracks and try to convert them to the ways of being SunSavvy. Only you would try and sell a Skin Cancer Awareness hat to Gary Coleman!"

Hey, what kind of skin cancer crusader would I be if I didn't try to educate everyone?

What are some of your favorite adventures in teaching people about skin cancer prevention/sun safety? Do you have any stories about sporting the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol that you would like to share? I would love to hear from you!

Until next time, keep crusading.

Yours in the fight,
Danielle.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month 21 years ago

2007-05-14T13:52:00.000-06:00

While online conducting a search of recent press releases, stories, blogs, and other posts regarding Skin Cancer Awareness month, The Cancer Crusaders Organization, the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol, and the ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book, I found this Proclamation on Skin Cancer issued by the late President Ronald Reagan:

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and its incidence is rising. Fortunately, it is also the most preventable form of cancer and the easiest to detect early and treat successfully. The risk of developing skin cancer increases throughout adult life, with the highest incidence occurring among people over 50.

There are two basic types of skin cancer: the common basal cell and squamous cell cancers, and the less common but far more serious type called melanoma. More than 400,000 new cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. These cancers have a high cure rate, especially with early detection and prompt treatment. Most can be treated in the doctor's office.

Occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancers varies directly with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (and "sun lamps" of various kinds), and indirectly with skin pigmentation. Older Americans can reduce their risk of skin cancer by avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight, particularly if they are fair-skinned; by avoiding exposure during the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. hours; by wearing protective clothing; and by using sunscreen lotions and ointments. Prudent avoidance of too much sunlight is fully compatible with enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Older Americans may mistake the signs of skin cancer for normal skin changes due to aging, and they should be alert to these signs. Many skin growths are noncancerous, but any new growth on the skin, or a sore that does not heal, should promptly be brought to a doctor's attention. Skin cancer has many different appearances, but it occurs most frequently on sun-exposed areas of the body.

Melanoma is a far more serious health problem, but it also is highly curable when detected and treated early. About 23,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Melanoma is also related to exposure to ultraviolet light but not as directly as nonmelanoma skin cancers. Older Americans should be alert for changes in the size or color of a mole or rapid darkening, ulceration or scaliness or changes in the shape or outline of a mole, or development of a new pigmented lesion or bulge in a normal skin area. These are some of the most common signs that may signal melanoma, and a doctor should be consulted without delay.

The American Academy of Dermatology and other dermatologic organizations are committed to educating the public about all types of skin cancers. This year marks the Second Annual National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Program, a coordinated national effort of professional dermatologic organizations to reduce the increasing incidence of skin cancers and to better control these cancers by prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of May 26 through June 1, 1986, as Older Americans Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Week, and I invite all Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and tenth.

RONALD REAGAN

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:21 a.m., May 22, 1986]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citation: John Woolley and Gerhard Peters,The American Presidency Project [online]. Santa Barbara, CA: University of California (hosted), Gerhard Peters (database). Available from World Wide Web: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=37316.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I found it interesting that, even though 21 years have passed since this proclamation was issued, skin cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in America and across the globe. And melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased by nearly 6000% in past 50+ years. Truly, this is cause for alarm. We need more resources, more education, and research, and more attention dedicated to the prevention and eventual eradication of this unneccessary epidemic.

There is, indeed, still much work to be done!!!

That said, I want to express my thanks to the Governors who have called me in response to my request to declare celebrations of Skin Cancer Awareness month, in every state across the nation, throughout the month of May. Thanks, also, to the local city mayors here in Utah who have issued declarations in their respective communities - Provo, Orem, Kayesville/Fruit Heights, Murray, and Cedar City, Utah. This is of particular significance since Utah's risk for skin cancer is the highest in the nation.

Thank you to all of you who are devoting time, talents, and energy toward raising awareness and educating others about this common, yet preventable disease! Thank you! Let us continue to combine forces and work together to crusade against skin cancer.

To learn more about skin cancer prevention and to find a melanoma foundation nearest you, check out ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Skin Cancer Programs and Resources available on Amazon.com.

Sincerely,
Danielle.

Fantasy Fundraiser

2007-05-10T19:19:00.000-06:00

Recently the hip-hop dance team, Club Style, from Brigham Young University volunteered to organize a fundraiser for The Cancer Crusaders Organization. This is the first time I have seen a group of college students (who are our primary target audience) rally together to raise funds for skin cancer prevention, since we were officially incorporated as a non-profit skin cancer facility in January 2004. Club Syle hosted a Dance-A-Thon. Each student recruited sponsors. For every $5.00 donated, they had to dance for an entire hour. The Dance-A-Thon was packed, and was a grand success.

Thank you to my friend Laurel Matsuda, and to the hip-hop dance team at Brigham Young University, for taking a interest and for helping raise funds for the cause!

After the Dance-A-Thon, someone asked me what kind of fundraising event would I love to host in the future. In truth, I would absolutely love to have a benefit concert featuring my favorite singers and bands. Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, and other favorites, would come and sing their hearts out to a crowd of thousands. And we would release a CD of the live performanc!

I have daydreamed about singing my favorite songs by these artists, with them on stage. It would be the benefit concert to define all benefit concerts. Incredible music and entertainment, thousands of people wearing Skin Cancer Awareness ribbons, and me living out the fantasy of singing my favorite songs with my favorite artists.

Some of the songs I would love to either sing as a duet, or as back up, (or simply be on stage rocking out to) would include:

"Promises in the Dark", "Shadows in the Night" and, of course, "Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar (the ultimate girl-power-rocker ever!)

"You Lie", "Is There Life Out There", and maybe "Just a Little Love", - Reba McEntire (her music provided me much comfort during my mother's battle with cancer, and for a couple of years afterward)

"Purple Rain" - Prince (that's the only song by Prince I like/love)

"We Can Last Forever", "You're the Inspiration", or "Look Away"- Chicago (great city, and a great band)

"Faithfully", "Don't Stop Believing," or any other song off Journey's Greatest Hits Album. (Steve Perry, won't you make a guest appearance?)

"Silver Springs" and "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" - Fleetwood Mac (gotta love Fleetwood Mac! Buy their album "The Dance")

"Angel" - Sarah McLachlan (the best song writer ever, with Stevie Nicks running as second. They are so gifted with words)

"Winter" - Tori Amos

"Sweet Emotion" - Aerosmith (classic, classic, classic 80s rock band)

"She's My Girl", "Free Fallin'", "Refugee", or "I Won't Back Down" - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (my mom was in to Tom Petty, and Aerosmith, when I was growing up)

"Sweet Child of Mine" - Guns-n-Roses (my mom was also into Guns-n-Roses)

"In This Life" and "Love Me" - Collin Raye (two of the four country songs my mother could stand. Plus, they are sweet, touching songs)

"Stayin' Alive" - BeeGees (good times, folks)

"Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves" - Eurthymics and Aretha Franklin (go, girls, go!)

Oh, and there are many others, as well!

And there you have it - that's my Fantasy Fundraiser.

In the meantime, however, you can help raise money for skin cancer prevetion education by purchasing a copy of the newly released ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. When I checked this morning, there was only one left in stock on Amazon.com (more are coming, though). The book is also available on BarnesandNoble.com, and as a e-book on iUniverse.com.

Thanks for supporting the fight against skin cancer!

Rock on,
Danielle.

Calling out all Red Devils

2007-05-07T14:06:00.000-06:00

Last night I had a dream that I was asked give a pep talk to the senior class at Nile C. Kinnick High School. There I was standing the middle of the old football field dressed up in my old mascot uniform. "Sparky! Sparky! Sparky!" they all shouted. That was my nick name as the mascot of the Yo-Hi Red Devils. I was the coolest and cutest little red devil you ever saw - Sparky was so cool!

When I woke up this morning, I thought that it odd that I had a dream about my high school alma mater. I rarely ever think about high school. When I was planning a schedule for projects I'm working on for my boss today, it occurred to me that next month would have been my 10 year high school reunion. Alas, because I attended an American high school in Japan and all of us are spread across the globe and no such reunion will be taking place.

So, in honor of the Nile C. Kinnick High School Class of 1997, this is for you:

I am offering each you a free, autographed copy of the ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources to each of my fellow '97 Kinnick classmates. This seems a bit cheesy, if not a bit pretensious, to assume that my classmates would want an free autographed copy of my book, yet I do not do this to brag or boast; rather, I do it as a means of letting each my fellow Red Devils know how much they meant to me during those crazy years in Japan. When I moved to Japan, my mother had recently passed away, there was a considerable amount of mayhem and turmoil going on in my life. Yet, the opportunity of being Sparky the Red Devil mascot gave me a sense of belonging, even purpose. Instead of worrying about my problems, I was able to cheer for, uplift, encourage, support and befriend my peers. Japan was an incredible experience largely due to the fun I had being Sparky. I can still hear my classmates shouting "Sparky! Sparky! Sparky!" as I walk down the halls of Nile C. Kinnick High, in the shadows of Mt. Fuji.

Anyway, to commemorate Skin Cancer Awareness month this year, and to acknowledge my high school reunion, I'm offering one (1) copy of the book to each person I graduated with 10 years ago. (Keep in mind, I know who you are... As Sparky the Red Devil mascot, I remember who I graduated with. So, no cheating, folks! Get your own copy, and help fund skin cancer prevention education programs!)

If you are a member of the Nile C. Kinnick High School Class of 1997, and would like a copy of ONLY SKIN DEEP? An Essential Guide to Skin Cancer Programs and Resources please send me an email at info@cancercrusaders.org (One book per person, please. We want to donate the proceeds from each book to skin cancer prevention education and research).

Many of you Kinnkers may be thinking that skin cancer only affects "Gaikokujins" (or Haoles). Yet, everyone is at risk for skin cancer. So, find out how you can protect yourself and those you love from this common, yet preventable cancer.

For those of you who aren't members of the KHS Class of 1997, you can get a copy of the book by clicking on the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/Only-Skin-Deep-Essential-Effective/dp/0595432735

Hoping that all of you Red Devils are not red (or tan) from the sun, and that the last 10 years have treated you well.

Sincerely,
Danielle (formerly known as "Sparky")

Top Reasons Not to Seek the Sun for Vitamin D

2007-05-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

This week, our "Top 10 List" will be addressing the hotly debated issue of sun exposure and Vitamin D.

Media inundates us with conflicting messages about the sun exposure-Vitamin D relationship, thus perpetuating confusion, and false ideas, which can be potentially dangerous.

The truth is, deliberately seeking the sun to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency is not only unnecessary or irresponsible, but can be deadly. And here is why:

(the following information has been provided by the American Academy of Dermatology)

Don't Seek the Sun: Top Reasons to Get Vitamin D From Your Diet

Research shines dangerous truth on sun exposure and vitamin D

Our bodies need vitamin D to build and maintain strong bones. Without vitamin D, the body cannot use calcium and phosphorus — two minerals necessary for healthy bones. The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) does not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure or indoor tanning. Both sources emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Getting vitamin D from your diet and practicing sun protection offer a healthier alternative. Still skeptical? Consider these scientific facts:

1. UV rays cause premature aging of the skin, actinic keratoses and skin cancer. There is so much scientific evidence to support this fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services classifies UV radiation as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). UV exposure also causes cataracts and suppresses the body’s immune system.

2. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. While the benefits of vitamin D in helping to reduce the risk of many cancers have yet to be fully proven, it is well known that overexposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer.

3. The number of diagnosed cases of skin cancer continues to increase at an alarming rate. At current rates, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.

4. One person dies from melanoma, a type of skin cancer, almost every hour (approximately every 67 minutes) in the United States. Today, melanoma is the second most prevalent form of cancer among women aged 20 to 29. It is expected that new cases of melanoma will increase by 9 percent in 2006. This raises an American’s lifetime risk of developing melanoma to 1 in 32.

5. Dietary sources of vitamin D do not prematurely age the skin nor increase the risk of developing skin cancer or actinic keratoses. Dietary sources are available year round. Good sources include fortified milk, fortified cereal, salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil. Research shows that vitamin D supplements are well-tolerated, safe and effective.

6. Sunscreen use does not cause vitamin D deficiency. A research study conducted in Australia, which has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, found that sunscreen did not cause vitamin D deficiency in all 113 people who wore adequate sunscreen to prevent actinic keratoses. Research shows that sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, actinic keratoses and skin cancer.

When used correctly, sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15, the minimum recommended by the Academy, deflects or absorbs 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays and allows 7 percent to penetrate skin. In addition, the average person requires one ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, to adequately cover the exposed areas of the body. However, most people don’t use enough sunscreen to receive the level of protection that is indicated on the package. Many people also fail to apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before going outdoors in order to allow it to be completely absorbed into the skin, and they neglect to re-apply it every two hours or after swimming.

7. Humans need calcium to benefit from vitamin D. Sun exposure does not provide calcium. However, fortified milk, other vitamin D-fortified dairy products, and salmon are rich in both vitamin D and calcium. Many dietary supplements also contain both. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is essential to prevent osteoporosis.

8. Vitamin D from food and dietary supplements offers the same benefits — without the danger of UV exposure — as vitamin D obtained from the sun. Vitamin D cannot be used by the body until it is processed by the liver and the kidneys. The usable form of vitamin D created by this process is the same — regardless of how it enters the body.

9. Maximum production of vitamin D occurs after brief exposure to UV radiation. The exact amount of time depends on many factors including location, time of day, time of year, and skin type. For a fair-skinned person in Boston or New York, at noon in June, it is 2-5 minutes. After this, any additional vitamin D that the body produces will not be stored for future use. Additional unprotected exposure will result in an increased risk of premature aging and skin cancer.

Source: www.aad.org

So, there you have it. Do NOT seek the sun as a means of avoiding a Vitamin D deficiency. Eating a bowl of cereal each day will provide you with sufficient Vitamin D, and will save your skin from unnecessary exposure to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.

Stay Safe in the Shade and Be SunSavvy,
Danielle.

News, Announcements, and related Updates

2007-05-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

Just when I was wondering whether or not people were actually reading this blog, I received several emails asking me about the status of the ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book, if I am planning on writing another book, how many U.S. Governors have responded to our Proclamation request for Skin Cancer Awareness month celebrations, what is going on with our Web-sites, and how to purchase Skin Cancer Awareness pins.

First, let me answer the "easy" questions.

To get an official Skin Cancer Awareness pin and show you care. Click on the following link: www.skincancerribbon.org Thank you for helping us raise awareness, and for supporting the cause!

As of today, May 4th, we have had 25 Governors directly respond to back to the mass email and letter I sent requesting individual states to public acknowledge May as Skin Cancer Awareness month and thus commit to educating their communities about this common, yet preventable disease. States such as Alaska, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, and Utah are among those who have sent direct responses in favor of this effort. Thank you to all of our leaders who are proactively educating people, raising awareness, and supporting the cause!

With regards to our Web-sites - We have had trouble with hosting, servers, even hacking. We are attempting to troubleshoot the problems, re-design and update the sites in an efficient and timely manner. The skincancerribbon.org site is pretty much running; however, we are still ironing out kinks in the www.cancercrusaders.org site. Doing all of this despite extremely limited resources - time, manpower, and finances - has been an interesting challenge, but The Cancer Crusaders Organization always manage despite challenges. It is amazing what you can accomplish (and how much) with a small group of volunteer college students! Thanks so much for your patience and support!

Now for ONLY SKIN DEEP? book-related questions and updates:

The ONLY SKIN DEEP? is currently #4 on Amazon.com for "Hot New Releases" in the category of skin care/skin diseases. Have you got your copy yet? You can always get your copy directly from The Cancer Crusaders Organization, have your contribution be tax deductible, and even have the book personally autographed. Email me about it at info@cancercrusaders.org.

I have been made aware of the fact that there was some sort of printer error, thus causing the book cover to look a bit blurry in certain spots. The ribbon, for instance, doesn't look as sharp and crisp as it should. I am working really hard to get this problem rectified immediately! I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience, interest, and support.

For our Utah readers: The first, official book signing will be re-scheduled from May 31st to sometime in June. The reason for this is based on an continued effort to accommodate our speakers, dermatologists, and other participants in the event. I will keep you posted. And, yes, there is talk about a possible book signing event in Texas. Again, I will keep you posted.

Is the book available as an e-book? Yes, it is available as an e-book. Check it out on: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/cgi-bin/item/0595876137/Only-Skin-Deep-eBook.html

Am I going to be writing another book about skin cancer? The answer is Yes. I have been asked by numerous individuals to write another book. This project is still in the planning stages, so it is still too early to divulge the details; however, this book will be different from the resource guide. It will be more personalized. I can tell you, though, that a well-respected, genius dermatologist will be contributing to it! Stay tuned!

As always, please feel free to keep the questions, suggestions, and ideas coming in by emailing me at info@cancercrusaders.org. And be sure to tell your friends about ONLY SKIN DEEP? It may just save someone from having to face a skin cancer diagnosis!

Happy Reading,
Danielle.

Contact Your Governors Re: Skin Cancer Awareness

2007-04-27T14:01:00.000-06:00

Here is a challenge to each of you; a call to action, as it were -

Last year I contacted all 50 U.S. Governors asking them to declare a state-wide celebration of national Skin Cancer Awareness Month (which is in May), and thus actively support skin cancer prevention education efforts.

38 of the 50 Governors responded favorably. Several others stated that their policy was/is to only accept Declarations submitted by citizens of their respective states.

So, this year, in addition to contacting each U.S. Governor, I am asking YOU to help me out, by submitting a request, as well. Please find the both the email address and mailing address to the governor of your state on

http://www.globalcomputing.com/GovernorsContent.htm.

And then send them the following Declaration:

Declaration of Skin Cancer Awareness Month – May 2007

Whereas, skin cancer is the most common and fast growing cancer in the world, with more than 1.3 million new cases diagnosed in the United States annually according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Whereas, melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—kills one person every hour in the United States.

Whereas, melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among women ages 25-29 and second most common cancer among women in their 30s.

Whereas, skin cancer is caused, overwhelmingly, by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and from tanning beds, it is largely preventable. 95% of skin cancers are preventable, if we properly protect ourselves from UV rays.

Whereas, 80% of one’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, it is imperative that we instill sun safety behavior among our children at an early age and thus incorporate sun safety education in our public educational system.

Whereas, The Cancer Crusaders Organization, an award-winning non-profit skin cancer education facility – the proud home of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol© -- strongly urges all Americans to become proactively engaged in efforts to protect our children and young adults from this common, yet preventable disease.
Whereas, The Cancer Crusaders Organization asks for the enthusiastic and proactive support of our educators, health professionals, and leaders to support initiatives and other such efforts to encourage sun-safe practices among our community, and therein significantly reduce skin cancer incidence and mortality throughout the United States and thus improve the overall quality of life.

Now, I ____________, Governor of the State of ____________, hereby declare May 2007 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The more we ask for support from our elected leaders, the more progress we will make melanoma research, sun safety education, research, indoor tanning regulations, dermatologic health care, environmental protection, and other issues pertinent to the reduction and eventual eradication of skin cancer.

Thank you for taking a proactive step in helping us raise awareness and save lives from skin cancer!

Keep Crusading,
Danielle.

Dermatologists Best at Spotting Melanoma

2007-04-27T10:33:00.000-06:00

While surfing the net for different skin cancer-related news and to monitor the press coverage on the ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book, I found the following article that states dermatologists are the best (and the only truly qualified) at spotting and treating melanoma. This is a point that I stress often, especially when giving sun safety presentations. I also explain this, at length, in the ONLY SKIN DEEP? Book. I am constantly urging my co-workers, friends, neighbors, and college students to seek a dermatologist. A GP simply does not have the specialized training that a dermatologist does when it comes to preventing, diagnosing, and treating skin cancer, especially melanoma - the deadliest form.

Here's the article that I found that reiterates the aforementioned point:

(April 27, 2006 - HeathDay News) - Getting melanoma diagnosed by a dermatologist rather than a non-specialist could boost a patient's odds for long-term survival, a new study finds.

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta studied 1,467 patients with melanoma diagnosed by a dermatologist and 553 melanoma patients diagnosed by a non-dermatologist.

On average, tumors diagnosed by dermatologists were thinner than those diagnosed by non-dermatologists -- 0.86 millimeters vs. 1 millimeter thick. When a melanoma tumor is still relatively thin (less than 1 millimeter), patients have a 90 percent cure rate.

Patients diagnosed by a dermatologist also had better survival rates.

"The two-year and five-year survival rates were 86.5 percent and 73.9 percent for the dermatologist group compared with 78.8 percent and 68.7 percent for the non-dermatologist group," the study authors wrote.

"These results suggest that increasing access to dermatologists, particularly for older patients who have higher rates of melanoma, may represent one approach to improving melanoma-related health outcomes from a health policy perspective," they concluded.

The study appears in the April issue of the journal Archives of Dermatology.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and can be fatal. Each year in the United States, more than 53,600 people learn they have the disease. In some parts of the world, especially Western countries, melanoma is becoming more common every year. In the United States, for example, the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30 years, according to the National Cancer Institute.

So, there you have it. Dermatologists are the best!

For more information, check out the official site of the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org.

If you are a fellow Utahn, a complete list of board certified dermatologists practicing in Utah, along with their contact information, are listed on www.skincancerribbon.org

With that, go give a pat on the back to your favorite dermatologist today (and while you're at it, schedule your full body skin exam!)

Best,
Danielle.