Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying

In “By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek” the main character, Kelly Jorgenson said this: “Why are the most bitter and the most sweet tangled together?”

That’s how I feel about sunshine. Summer is upon us and this prairie girl wants to play outside, whether it’s having a cup of coffee on the front step in the morning sun or hiking along a trail in some place more adventuresome. However, like a two-edged razor, the sun has two sides. The life-giving force that allows our existence on planet earth can also cause skin cancer.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer sometime in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Over 2 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015.

Until the second half of the twentieth century, people had the good sense to cover their skin. They wore hats, long pants and long-sleeved tops. Then tanning became popular. Is it any wonder that from 1973 to 2009 melanoma increased in men by 61% and doubled in women?

Growing up, I expected to get a good sunburn at the beginning of summer. After that, my Scottish skin would tan a little. One year we went to the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Whitestone Hill. My mother and I both came away from that hot, cloudless day absolutely fried.

Mom later had skin cancer. So did all of her brothers, my three brothers, two sisters, and at least one niece and nephew. This is serious, folks. A year ago last winter, my nephew died of melanoma. He was only 53.

My first round with cancer was on my neck many years ago. I went to a dermatologist to have a skin tag removed because it was irritated by clothing. It turned out to be squamous cell cancer.

A few years ago, a spot on my face began to grow bigger and darker. People began to politely suggest I have a doctor look at it, so I made an appointment. I spent two winters in treatment for a precancerous condition. The spot mostly disappeared after that, but now it’s back. My dermatologist believes it’s just pigmentation, but I have regular checkups.

I feel like an oddball wearing a hat, but it’s preferable to having chemo on my face.

There is much to say about causes and prevention of skin cancer. But right now, at the beginning of summer when the sun is so appealing and so strong, do this:

1. Every day, protect yourself and your children. Guys, this goes for you, too.
2. Wear a hat and long sleeves.
3. Avoid situations where you might get burned.
4. Use sunscreen on your face, neck, arms and legs, but don’t totally rely on it.

For more information, check out the American Academy of Dermatology website at www.aad.com.

Don’t let the sun catch you crying because you’ve allowed it too much power in your life. And be wise! The Bible states that “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1: 1