‘Dear 16-year-old me,’ a free cancer screening

“Dear 16-year-old me: I wish that I had known that even one bad sunburn before you turn 18 doubles your chances of getting melanoma.”

I encourage all of you to watch the video “Dear 16- year-old me.”

It presents information about a topic that is often ignored by young people: melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer which is increasing faster than any other potentially preventable cancer in the United States.

I also encourage students to consider making an appointment for a free skin cancer screening at the IU Health Center.

Our free screening event this year is at 1-4 p.m. April 2 on the third floor of the IU Health Center.

You need to make an appointment by calling 855-7688. Call soon because there are a limited number of appointment slots.

The people in the video are speaking to their 16-year-old selves about their lives being affected by melanoma.

For some this means that they have had this cancer, and they reveal their scars to the camera.

Others have lost loved ones or friends to the disease. It’s a powerful, emotional
segment.

Here’s what they say: “Dear 16-year-old me: it’s not just skin cancer — the kind-that-you-cut–out-and-you’ll-be-fine kind.

It’s the kind you need to catch before it spreads because it spreads so fast — to other places like your liver or lungs.”

What can you do to lessen your chances of developing melanoma?

Here are a few of the voices from the video who plead with their younger selves and all young people:

“Dear 16-year-old self: Don’t start the tanning beds.

“I know you want a healthy glow, but it’s going to double your chances of melanoma.

“Use sunscreen. It’s a huge pain in the ass but so worth it! Start checking your skin.

“This is a cancer that shows itself on the outside of your skin.

“Get to know your skin. Know what to look for and get help. Just once a month I want you to check — it takes 10 minutes.”

Detection of melanoma at an early stage saves lives.

Be aware of the A, B, C, D and E of melanoma recognition:

Asymmetry, border irregularities, color variegation (different colors within the same region), diameter greater than six mm, and enlargement or evolution of color change, shape or symptoms.

Any one of these individual points should alert you to seek professional advice.

Taking care of yourself and spreading this message are two ways you can honor those who have succumbed to melanoma — someone like Glenna. “Dear 16-year-old self: At 16 she is already an incredible lifeguard. She loves the sun, the beach and tanning but she doesn’t know the dangers! She’ll be diagnosed at 22 and will lose her battle at 26.”

Share this message. Tweet this message. Post it to Facebook. Let others know about the free screening April 4.

Kathryn Brown is a health and sexuality educator with Health & Wellness Education at the IU Health Center.

— kathbrow@indiana.edu