“Melanoma Monday” is the first Monday of May – and the kick-off of May Melanoma Skin Cancer Month. Also known as National Skin Self-Examination Day. People are encouraged to examine their skin for skin cancer.
Having lost a dear family member to cancer this past year and recently finding out about three more friends with cancer (one given 4-6 months to live) I have been painfully aware of the affects of cancer. I recently posted about loving my "runners tan" on Facebook, but, I know that sun exposure can put me at risk for skin cancer.
When my husband had cancer in 1996 and was going through treatments we met a young girl in her 20's being treated for melanoma. We had treatments on the same days and got to know her. She did not survive.
As most people do in preparation for a vacation last year, I spent a month working on a tan through a tanning bed. I see damage to my skin today from that time that I know is irreversible .
I am making a point this summer to be more careful about my sun exposure and to be more vigilant to apply sunscreen before running.
I have a doctor friend who lives in California that started this Miles for Melanoma 5k about 4 years ago. If you live in the area it looks to be a fun run for a great cause.
Do you have a particular sunscreen you like that stays on a sweaty runner? I would love to know!
6 comments:
Thanks for posting this! I recently was diagnosis with malignant melanoma in-situ, which mean I am extremely lucky because it was just on the top layer of my skin. Luckily I found it in time. My dermatologist told me the only time that I DO NOT wear sunscreen is when you need a flashlight to go outside. I wear sunscreen foundation and apply a moisturizer on my exposed areas that has a 30spf. When I am outside running, working, sitting on the dock, I wear 85spf. Studies show, however, anything above 40-50 really does not matter but I don't care, I am sticking to my 85. Have a great day!
I use Coppertone Sport. So sorry about your friends and family with cancer.
I always run in a hat, and try to be good about sunscreen. Thanks for the reminder!
always use spf on my lips too! they are so sensitive to the sun. lately my nose has been a little pink so time to lather it back on!
Thanks for this post. I am a skin cancer survivor (1991) and I always protect my skin using the highest protection creams: 1 for the lips, 1 for the face and another for the body. Moreover when I run (or walk) under the sun I wear a hat.
On May 22 I will enter the Race for the Cure 5k to help the breast cancer research.
This is a great post. Being a fair skinned blonde, I have been trying to make sure I am more cautious with my sun exposure. I really like Bullfrog sunscreen.
I remember when I was younger I did not ever use an SPF not even on my face. Now, I put as much SPF as possible on my face. I also stopped tanning in 2009.
Post a Comment