News & Insights

Prepare for Time in the Sun

By Melissa Lazar

I preach to everyone I can about being safe in the sun. I especially remind the teenagers in my life (my son and nieces) about the dangers and plead with them to wear sunscreen and to never get into a tanning bed. Several years ago, I noticed something suspicious on my face near my eye. I put off going to the doctor, but eventually went in for a biopsy when I saw it was getting worse. I’ll never forget when they called me, on my milestone birthday, to say that I had skin cancer. That was not a happy birthday. 

Initially, I was shocked, but looking back I remembered the days going to the tanning beds for a big dance like prom or going to Oak Street Beach and laying out using Bain de Soleil gel or Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil (both with little UV protection). Some days I just used baby oil, which was literally frying your skin in the sun. My shock about my skin cancer diagnosis quickly turned to self-blame because of all the years I spent in the sun, burning, blistering and peeling, just to get that golden tan.

What was I thinking? I absolutely regret that now. I had to have two surgeries on the same day at two different locations. One doctor performed Mohs surgery to remove the cancer one layer of skin at a time and the other doctor did a skin graft, to cover the area where the cancer was removed. It was very close to my eye, and I was lucky that it did not involve my tear duct otherwise the doctor would have had to remove and replace it. It was a scary procedure to go through. 

About 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, and 90% of those diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer developed it from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Practicing preventative measures such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds can go a long way towards avoiding skin cancer. Since July is UV Safety Month, we offer reminders of how to enjoy the sun safely and additional information for anyone concerned about certain spots they’ve seen on themselves or a loved one.

Dr. Jason M. Rizzo, a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, discusses the preventative steps everyone should be taking and details the different types of skin cancers and treatment options that might be recommended.

We also share a Keeping the Well in Well-thy podcast episode featuring Dr. Rizzo. He discusses sun damage and other risk factors that can potentially lead to skin cancer.

I know I can’t go back and undo the damage I did to my skin, but I will use my personal experience to remind others to be safe in the sun and to always protect their precious skin. You have one chance to keep your skin as healthy as it can be – let my past be an example of what not to do.     

Please share these resources with family members or friends who could benefit from learning more about skin cancer and sun safety.

Melissa A. Lazar, FPQP®, CFS®

Wealth Advisor
Fairport Wealth Chicago