melanoma

momwithcancer · New User Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 6

My mom has stage 5 melanoma and i have been doing some reading about it. I am blond and fair and have a lot of moles like my mom. Should I be ensuring that I go for regular check ups since my mom has this disease? Am I more likely to also get melanoma since my mom has it?

sanhall · New User Joined: 13 Mar 2005 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Hi
Yes according to my research you are much more likely to get skin cancer if you have a close relative with it if you have a lot of moles.

I am covered in moles and recently had a an early stage melanoma removed. My 2 sons also have lots of moles so with what I learned about melanomas I looked them over very carefully. One went to our doctor with a suspicious mole that scabs over from time to time. He has eczema so could be to do with that. They did not think it was a problem but told him to keep an eye on it. He has the option of a biopsy.

Do your research and look at all your moles regularly for growth or alteration in colour. It is also worth asking about regular check ups. Catching these things early is very important. Do all you can to prevent them becoming melanomas. Becareful of what you put on your skin.
Some of these sunblocks are just chemicals. I wonder what damage they do in themselves!
Hope your mother is winning the battle.
Sandy

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