Melanoma is one of the most common cancers and in Australia very common.

It is caused by lots of stuff but UV damage is Queen of the pack

Getting sunburned lead to Melanoma, Solarium users have a far higher risk of melanoma.

Melanoma can be cured if it is caught early.

I had a growth on my back, just about central to the spine. Really easy to get too

So I did the right thing today and got it checked. Modern Melanoma screens are quick and easy. Basically they take photos. When my thing on my back was taken at 30X it looked like something that Jabba the Hut had. Very very quickly (about 2 mins) it was diagnosed as a sebaceous keratin cyst. Disgusting to look at but benign. It was removed in 15 mins. Because I wanted it removed.

It could have been melanoma. In which case I wouldn't be here I would be having surgery and facing drug and radiotherapy.

If something is odd get it checked.

It is probably nothing.

I have two people I know die this month from heart attacks. Sudden. Not expected.

They hadn't had medical checks for some time.

They were Aussie men and Aussie men don't go to the Dr.

Live Well and be safe.

C

Thanks for the advice/warning, Cindy.

Glad the screen went well, Cindy.  I was looking forward to seeing you at the topless beach.  Plenty of sunscreen, of course.

Cindy, good that you got the cyst checked early. Even if it wasn't Melanoma, it is good to be proactive and not have the surgery n' stuff later.

Cheers to many more Happy, healthy years of living.
Hugs
Jamie

Good advice, but for some even that checkup would probably bankrupt them. Better to be bankrupt and alive though. Which reminds me, I really need to get some health insurance.....

  Solarium as in tanning bed or booth?  A solarium is a glass enclosed patio structure to us.  Yes, that's what is causing melanomas in my area.  People are warned, but they do not listen.  There are signs to that effect in each bed.  We have it bad enough with Denver's mile high altitude and the number of sunny days exceeding some cities like Miami in the "Sunshine State". 

  Joelene