Date Posted: May 31, 2011
Print Edition: May 27, 2011
By Ali Siemens (The Cascade) – Email
“Slip-Slop-Slap” is a common phrase in the summer months to remind people to, “slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.” As we welcome the beautiful summer weather, folks are reminded to stay smart and know the effects that the sun has on our body. Coming from the dreary months where most people crave their fill of vitamin D, it’s important to stay mindful of the side effects too much sun has, but also not be fearful of the rays we are all yearning for.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, shedding light on a form of cancer that is more commonly known as “skin cancer.” On May 2, 2011, “Dear 16-year-old Me” was released by the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund. It is a video public service announcement featuring real people hypothetically addressing their 16-year-old selves about what they wish they’d known about protecting their skin. The video campaign promotes awareness that the disease does not only affect people in their old age. Melanoma can strike young, and as one doctor in the video explains, “[Melanoma] is the second most common cancer for children and teenagers.”
There are ways to protect yourself, but a theme of the video explains that for many people, “hindsight is 20/20.” As one of the fastest spreading cancers, it is worth being aware of the risks involved with exposing your skin to the sun. Although the diagnosis is skin cancer, if it is not caught early, all areas of your body are at risk.
As university students who have done their time in high school, it is easy to look back on certain moments and ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” The “Dear 16-year-old Me,” video is trying to prevent that situation from happening in regards to cancer. The video reminds teenagers and young adults that the tools are there to help avoid the conversation no one wants to have with their doctor when they tell you that you have an aggressive form of cancer.
The video touches on very important facts that are crucial when trying to become aware of sun-safety. Recognizing that putting on sun-screen is a huge annoyance, the adults that appear in the video remind young adults that receiving one bad sun burn before turning 18 doubles your chances of getting Melanoma skin cancer. The word “cancer” brings on many scary thoughts; and so it should – cancer is scary. But the purpose of the video is not to scare people from ever going outside. Rather, it educates people on how to avoid a disease that is often fatal.
Many of us have been looking forward to the beach weather. The summer is associated with all of the fun things we love to do, like hang out with our friends outside, barbeque, or just lie on the beach and soak up the rays. It is so important to remember that although these activities are harmless in nature, nature itself is working against us. During this season of relaxation, remember to be the friend that brings sunscreen along to the beach and re-apply as necessary. Although this is our time off, no one wants to take a year off from school after being diagnosed with skin cancer. Papers and finals are stressful enough; throwing the word “chemotherapy” into the mix is a scenario no one wants to face. Be safe!
