When I think of a health issue that I am most concerned about I think about cancer. Lung cancer as well as skin cancer runs in my family. I know that you are not always able to prevent cancer but there are definately things that can be done to reduce your risk. I myself just recently found out that I had a basal cell carinoma spot on my nose and had to have it removed and surgically repaired. I will definately be taking precautions in the future to help prevent having any more lesions appear. When I would go in the sun I never used sunscreen and that is why I am in the position I am in because of my lack of protection. Yes it does run in my family but I could have protected myself better. I am fortunate that it was not melanoma and the Dr. did catch it in good time but I am definately at risk of having it come back. I have seen many reports on the news lately about similar cases and happened to see a Dr. Phil show about the same thing so it is becoming more common because more people are exposing themselves to the sun. I think that people need to be more aware of skin cancer and take the proper steps to protect themselves. Get regular checks at the dermatologist and wear sunscreen when out in the sun.
When I asked one of my friends about her health concern she said that she thinks of cervical cancer. She herself has not recieved the HPV vaccine nor have I but she will for sure vaccinate her daughter and I will do the same when she is at the age for it. Cervical cancer is a scary thing and just the thought of it terrifies her. I myself am concerned about this health issue as well but it is not my number one concern.
My other friend I asked said she was most concerned about cancer as well. Breast cancer runs in her family and she has also had irregular pap smears. The results have alwasys come out ok but it is still a concern for her.
Melissa
These concerns are completely valid- according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control, 2006), cancer is the #1 cause of death in women ages 35-74 and heart disease takes over at age 75. The thing that bothers me the most about these statistics is that many cancers can be prevented - by not smoking, avoiding exposure to HPV or getting the vaccine, by avoiding excessive sun exposure and other easily achieved lifestyle changes. I think the key is to provide education to the population beginning at an early age, and being truthful about the effects of environmental exposure to things that cause cancer. My 32 year old nephew just died of melanoma last year after a painful 3 year battle. He said he wished he had been taught about the true dangers of excessive sun exposure and what to check for to catch melanoma early. We can't over-emphasize the importance of preventive health education.
ReplyDeleteReference
Centers for Disease Control (2006). Leading cause of death by age group - all females, United States, 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/women/ lcod/06_all_females.pdf
I didn't think of skin cancer when responding to this blog but after reading yours I definitely agree that this is an arrising problem in our society with young women. Women are constantly wanting to be tan but do not understand the consequences of it. I will admit, in highschool I tanned on a regular basis and looking back on it, I am scared of what might happen in the future. I no longer tan indoors. I only tan outside and wear spf 30. I am aware that there is a new tax being put on tanning and that children under the age of 18 need consent from their parents. This is very smart, in my opinion. For more information on the new tax on tanning go to http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/24/news/economy/tanning_tax/
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, I guess not all states are enforcing age requirement to be 18 without parental consent. The source for this is
ReplyDeleteNational Conference of State Legislatures (2010). Tanning Restrictions for Minors A State-by-State Comparison. Retrieved 30 August 2010 from National Conference of Sate Legislatures: http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14394
Working in a plastic surgeon's office, I have seen TONS of skin cancer/Mohs surgeries/repairs. It's very scary to think they just thought it was a sore or a pimple, but it's something much more!
ReplyDeleteAlong with Jeri, it would be nice to limit our exposure for HPV, but it is difficult. Since it may not present itself until many years later, it's a hard one to detect. The vaccines should help younger generations, but there isn't much that can be done for the middle generations. On a side note, I am proof that married women can get it. I have never been promiscuous, yet I got it from my husband (who had an affair). Men cannot be tested for it, so they don't even know they have it. I now have to live with his mistakes for the rest of my life.
I feel it is very important to know ones risk and family history. however, you are right sometimes we still forget to take care of ourselves.Taking precautions like applying sunscreen is one way to prevent skin cancer.Cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of death amongst all females and it is the number 1 leading cause of death amongst Asian and American Indian(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2010).
ReplyDeleteEducation is the key to the prevention of many diseases. Everyone needs to be aware of danger excessive sun exposure and the use sunscreen regardless of the color of one's skin.
Melissa,I am happy to hear that everything is Ok..
reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, February 19). Leading Causes of Death in Females United States, 2006 (Fact Sheet). Retrieved from CDC office of Women’s health: http://www.cdc.gov/women/lcod/
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you cancer spreads like wildfire and I have had some cases in my family and with friends and their loved ones, but nothing to extreme. Cancer is something you defintely want to catch as early as possible because sometimes you can stop it before it starts it just depends on how you take care of yourself and if you are taking every precaution necessary to prevent it.
I'm glad to hear that you caught your's early and was able to get it under control and that you are taking precautions going forward that is great news and you are an inspiration.