Summer Tips - Tumblr Posts

Ya’ll, I got an abnormal melanoma diagnosis at 14. My condition was considered so strange that I was thought of as a medical anomaly by almost every doctor that saw me. I had five surgical procedures to deal with the issue. It. Can. Happen. To. Anyone.

Some small reminders as summer rolls around. Remember, the steps are easy but the S.T.A.K.E.S are high:

1) S- Sunscreen. Sunscreen, for everyone. Even if you have darker skin, it’s vital. Black folks often go undiagnosed because doctors are not used to detecting melanoma on darker skin. Skin protection is essential for everyone, as melanoma can even be more dangerous for folks with more ‘natural skin protection’ (aka people with higher levels of melanin in their skin) because of failures in our medical system. Reapply every hour or so. I recommend at least 45 SPF.

2) T- Time. Try and stay out of the sun between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm / 10:00 and 14:00.

3) A- Attire. Wear long sleeved clothing made of lightweight materials such as cotton or linen when possible. This includes longsleeved tops and at least calf-length bottoms. For anyone out there who enjoys wearing skirts or dresses, you’re in luck! Longer ‘peasant’ style dresses and skirts are currently in style and can thus be found cheaply online and in store. Modest dressing can be fashionable and protective, folks. Wonderful ideas for modest dressing in the summer can be found easily on Insta; our beautiful Muslim siblings have been of great inspiration to me.

4) K- Keppie. Protect it. Hats, hats, hats. Even for people with thicker hair such as myself. Melanoma of the scalp can often go unnoticed.

5) E- Eyes. Eye protection. Yes, melanoma of the eye is possible, and I am frequently checked for it. Sunnies or tinted glasses help.

6) S- Surveillance. Keep an eye on your moles. Healthy moles are typically round in shape, of one colour, and flat. If you find a spot on your skin that has grown to become abnormally shaped, discoloured, or raised, seek out a dermatologist if possible. My melanoma was so abnormal-looking that several professionals thought it was a skin tag. They can look like anything.

Stay safe this summer and all year long, friends. You may not love the skin you’re in, but it doesn’t mean it’s worth ignoring.

Guys, please, please please get your moles looked at. There’s a lot of shit going on & you might think doctors have much better things to do but it’s so important. I’ve had a mole on my upper arm since I was a kid, I ignored it, in the middle of the pandemic it started to change shape & size & I thought fuck it, I’ll go eventually they’re busy right now. Now I have malignant melanoma that may have spread to my lymph nodes. 

Just go have a doctor or nurse look at it, it won’t take long & then they’ll be able to measure it every time you go in. Early detection is everything. Don’t make me post pictures of what’s left of my arm. Just go, goddammit 

Hello everybody with summer fast approaching here is your regular reminder that:

Everyone needs to wear sunscreen

SPF 50 is pretty much the best protection you can get, an SPF higher than that will have the same effect

Melanin does not protect you from skin cancer

Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Spending the majority of your life receiving regular large doses of UV radiation without any skin protection is a good way to get skin cancer

Don't use tanning beds, and don't go sun tanning

Wear your fucking sunscreen