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Getty Images / Carol Yepes
When Kristen Oelschlager, RN, COO at Castle Biosciences, learned of her cancer diagnosis, she was shocked. What she thought was a simple stitch on her left temple turned out to be melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can lead to death, according to the National Cancer Institute. Melanoma of the skin accounts for 5.6% of all new cancer cases in the United States, and it is estimated that more than 106,000 cases are expected to be diagnosed by 2021. But for Oelschlager, melanoma was the last thought on his mind. when a friend asked about the awkward place. Oelschlager says: “I thought [my friend] was a little crazy. I agreed to go have him examined, mainly to appease him. Fortunately, her friend was right to push for the exam.
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Oelschlager’s initial lack of concern is not uncommon when it comes to thinking about skin cancer. A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology has found that “only a third of Americans are concerned about skin cancer while nearly 70% have at least one risk factor.” Risk factors for skin cancer, whether melanoma or melanoma, include prolonged exposure to natural or artificial sunlight, fair complexion (e.g. hair), history sunburns and more (discover four research-based strategies that may help lower your risk of developing cancer).
Despite these risk factors, there are ways to protect yourself from skin cancer, including wearing sunscreen, which Oelschlager did not do prior to his diagnosis. Now Oelschlager says, “I’ll never… never do without!” (Find out the best sunscreens to protect your skin from aging, according to dermatologists.) In addition to sunscreen, Oelschlager also takes preventative measures by wearing sun protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses and rashes. cutaneous. She will also do her best to find a source of shade at the pool or beach (like this umbrella; Buy it: Target, $ 40).
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That said, Oelschlager’s biggest tip to others when it comes to monitoring and detecting possible skin abnormalities: know your body. “It’s important to know what’s normal for your skin and then watch for changes or anything new,” says Oelschlager. In addition, it also helps to have a buddy, “someone who can keep an eye on areas that you can’t easily see, like your back,” Oelschlager attests, as it was her friend who reported the abnormal stain on his temple.
In addition to the monthly self-tests, it is also important to have an annual skin exam with your dermatologist. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, these self-screens and dermatologists are a crucial step in early detection. These screenings are also important if you have had skin cancer in the past. While Oelschlager says she is “lucky” to have had a curable tumor, she knows there is a high risk that another melanoma could develop in the future.
Oelschlager’s experience has made her a strong advocate for safety and skin protection in her professional and personal life. Currently, she is the Director of Operations at Castle Biosciences, a skin cancer diagnostics company that provides personalized, clinically actionable genomic information to enable more accurate treatment plan decisions. Meanwhile, on a personal note, Oelschlager says, “Be a good role model for solar hygiene. Taking care of yourself in this regard is one thing, but being a good role model for your friends, family and especially your children is just as important. ! “
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