Surviving Skin Cancer

The following column originally appeared in APG of East Centarl Minnesota newspapers during August, 2025,including but not lmited to these papers:

Faribault Daily News,  Elk River Star News, MilleLacs Messenger,  Press&News,  SunCurrent, SunPost, Sun Sailor ,  SunThisWeek, Morrison County Record,  Union Times, ABC Newspapers, and Stillwater Gazette

Passing the skin cancer test

 

This was a test that I failed … five times. I’m hoping this column helps you and your loved ones avoid what I’ve had to do: get cancer cells removed. The surgery started with a shot into my nose, lip, forehead (twice) and most recently, my scalp.

Normally, my head is completely covered with hair. If you’d like to see what a head (mine) looks like after skin cancer surgery, you can visit my page on Facebook.

Photo 1 day after surgery, courtesy JoAnn Nathan

I am not a medical professional, so I am not giving you medical advice. But Mayo Clinic has much to say about skin cancer.  There’s plenty of good advice there.

I was surprised when a dermatologist told me that a small growth on my scalp should be removed. Thanks to barber Donna Crepps for first pointing it out.

I’ve worn a hat when I’ve gone out in the sun for many years. However, when I was a child and a teenager, I spent a lot of time outside without one. I didn’t know it was necessary. The dermatologist told me it can take 40 to 50 years for skin cancer to develop.

Before skin cancer can be removed, the area needs to be numbed. This means a shot — an injection into the spot. Think about what a shot to your nose, lip, forehead or scalp would feel like. No fun, I promise.

But doctors reminded me that removing the cancer is the right thing to do because it can spread and cause other problems.

Bottom line: Please read what the Mayo Clinic has to say. Check with your doctor if you have any unusual growth on your skin, as described by Mayo.

Most important: Model applying strong sunscreen or sunblock and wearing a hat. Strongly encourage young people to do the same.

And if you want something visual to encourage preventive behavior, take a look at the picture on my Facebook page.