Not only have we recently covered the hard facts about skin cancer/melanoma, but we have also touched on the anxiety that a diagnosis can ignite. Today's post is about the unfortunately rampant stigma that pervades the skin cancer community, and detracts from its severity.
How many times have you heard the words "It's just skin cancer." or "They can just cut it out, and you'll be fine, right?"
The sad truth is, many people do not fully comprehend what skin cancer does to us physically and mentally. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer is incredibly visible to us, leaving scars and treatments observable to the public. Even after going through intense treatment or surgery, the emotional impact of skin cancer is just as valid as any other cancer diagnosis.
So how does one respond to such comments or questions? The best option is to first and foremost, seek an opportunity to teach. Take a breath and realize that you can help change someone's view and start by sharing facts.
"No, it is not just skin cancer, it is very real and very serious, did you know that over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined?"
Perhaps you could respond with "It's not just skin cancer when it's the largest organ of your body. Did you know one person dies from Melanoma every hour?"
On some occasions the message simply does not seem to get across to the other person. If you bluntly ask "Would you say the same to someone with lung cancer?" then the perspective can be flipped effectively. The aim is to reach an open discussion rather than an argument, so ask sincerely.
Maybe a friend has been pestering you to go tanning or wondering why you never want to sunbathe on the beach. Usually, it is because our loved ones do not understand the risks associated with tanning, and therefore believe there is no harm in doing so. This is where we can help others understand just how dangerous tanning can be, especially if they use tanning beds.
Perhaps you can start the discussion with "Did you know more people develop skin cancer because of tanning, than develop lung cancer because of smoking?"
The main goal of these kinds of discussions is to seize a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness. Sharing information on social media is a fantastic way to open the conversation, but nothing beats one-to-one communication.
Be genuine and compassionate, and you may just find that people will listen.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
How many times have you heard the words "It's just skin cancer." or "They can just cut it out, and you'll be fine, right?"
The sad truth is, many people do not fully comprehend what skin cancer does to us physically and mentally. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer is incredibly visible to us, leaving scars and treatments observable to the public. Even after going through intense treatment or surgery, the emotional impact of skin cancer is just as valid as any other cancer diagnosis.
So how does one respond to such comments or questions? The best option is to first and foremost, seek an opportunity to teach. Take a breath and realize that you can help change someone's view and start by sharing facts.
"No, it is not just skin cancer, it is very real and very serious, did you know that over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined?"
Perhaps you could respond with "It's not just skin cancer when it's the largest organ of your body. Did you know one person dies from Melanoma every hour?"
On some occasions the message simply does not seem to get across to the other person. If you bluntly ask "Would you say the same to someone with lung cancer?" then the perspective can be flipped effectively. The aim is to reach an open discussion rather than an argument, so ask sincerely.
Maybe a friend has been pestering you to go tanning or wondering why you never want to sunbathe on the beach. Usually, it is because our loved ones do not understand the risks associated with tanning, and therefore believe there is no harm in doing so. This is where we can help others understand just how dangerous tanning can be, especially if they use tanning beds.
Perhaps you can start the discussion with "Did you know more people develop skin cancer because of tanning, than develop lung cancer because of smoking?"
The main goal of these kinds of discussions is to seize a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness. Sharing information on social media is a fantastic way to open the conversation, but nothing beats one-to-one communication.
Be genuine and compassionate, and you may just find that people will listen.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
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