Skin Stories

"I grew up in Florida so I have always been diligent about wearing sunscreen. Despite my efforts to prevent it, I have dealt with recurring skin cancer and precancerous cells for years. Consequently, I bear the scars on my face and ears as a constant reminder of the perils of skin cancer."
— CJ, Tampa, FL

"I was diagnosed with skin cancer when I was 27 years old. Thankfully, we were able to catch it early. The cancerous cells were removed and my cancer has since been in remission. I am happy to say that I am now 49 years old and there have been no relapses. I visit the doctor often for checkups, always wear sunscreen and take extra precaution in the sun to prevent any recurrence."
— Richard, Lynn, MA

"I am prone to skin cancer due to my many freckles. I recently went to a dermatologist to have a skin test. It turns out that I have a bunch of irregular freckles and moles. I have always worn sunscreen; when I was young, my mother would bathe me in it anytime I was at the pool or the beach. After extensive research, I learned that my pre-cancerous lesions could be a result of inadequate sunscreen standards."
— Damian, Tampa, FL

"I got my first basal cell lesion 5 years ago; it was on the right bridge of my nose and was frozen. The area never healed properly, so I went to another doctor who did a series of punch biopsies. They all came back showing signs of basal cell carcinoma. The cancer had spread deep into my nose and was aggressive enough where he had to do a skin flap. I am lucky mine was eliminated. Today, I apply sunscreen daily."
— Leopoldo, Tampa Bay, FL

"I was diagnosed with skin cancer in my twenties.  I was lucky; sun-related skin cancer is often deadly.  I have not had a recurrence in years, but as a precaution, I stay covered in sunscreen.  I recently became aware of the fact that the sunscreens that I am using are not fully protecting me from damaging UVA radiation – It is time we act to ensure effective sunscreen products in this country."
— Laura, Tampa, FL

"My husband, Ben, died from Melanoma 10 years ago, on our daughter’s 13th birthday.  He was 42 years old.  For the last six months of his life, he was paralyzed as the tumors spread and ravaged his whole body.  It was horrible, painful and sad, not only for me, but also for our children to watch their father suffer through this disease.  This is a tragedy I want no one else to experience."
— Sandy, Pelham, AL

"I have had skin cancer all over my body – my face, shoulders, nose, hairline and the top of my head.  My cancers have been removed, but I am left with scars and painful memories.  One scar on the top of my head is the size of a quarter and the hair will not grow back.  The U.S. needs better sunscreen standards, more comprehensive standards, like they have in Europe."
— Carolyn, Hueytown, AL

"As a mother of two boys, ages 10 and 6, I would like the assurance of knowing that broadband protection means just that – protection from both UVA and UVB rays.  Being a mom is reason enough, but this issue is particularly important to me because I am a skin cancer survivor myself."
— Jill, Encino, CA

"I just finished my last round of chemotherapy cream for the skin cancer on my arms.  While I am a proud survivor, I worry tremendously about my husband, children and beloved grandchildren.  I have always been adamant about wearing sunscreen, yet I still got cancer.  I thought that by protecting myself from burns, I was also protecting myself from skin cancer – I was not aware of the damaging effects of UVA rays."
— Barbara, Cropwell, AL