{"id":6446,"date":"2024-03-01T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?p=6446"},"modified":"2025-04-04T14:41:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:41:49","slug":"thisisskincancer-if-you-have-skin-you-can-get-skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/thisisskincancer-if-you-have-skin-you-can-get-skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"“This Is Skin Cancer” Stories","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

One in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It’s the most common cancer in America. Every year, millions of people learn the truth about what it means to say, \u201cThis is skin cancer.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>We’re sharing just a few of their stories.<\/p>\n

For some people, a skin cancer diagnosis means outpatient surgery and a better approach to prevention<\/a> and detection<\/a>. For others, the disease is far more serious, even life-threatening.<\/p>\n

Every survivor has a story. And The Skin Cancer Foundation\u2019s team<\/a> is here to listen. Over the years, countless people have shared, powerfully and poignantly, what it\u2019s like to live with and beyond skin cancer. Their goal is simple: To sound a clear warning about the dangers of the disease and give hope to the newly diagnosed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Share Your Skin Cancer Story<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter who you are.\u00a0 Actor. Athlete. Businessperson. Beauty queen. Young or old, if you have skin, you can get skin cancer.<\/p>\n

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\"Hugh
Photo credit: Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cPlease get skin checks often, please don\u2019t think it won\u2019t happen to you and, above all, please wear sunscreen.\u201d –Hugh Jackman<\/a>, actor<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Buffalo
Photo credit: Timothy T Ludwig\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI’ve lost track of how many spots exactly I\u2019ve had taken off, and it’s a small victory when I go to the dermatologist and I don’t have one biopsied.\u201d \u2013 Sean McDermott<\/a>, head coach of the NFL\u2019s Buffalo Bills<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Josh
Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky and UK Athletics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cYou never think it will happen to you. Realize you are not invincible.\u201d \u2013 Joshua Paschal<\/a>, Detroit Lions 2022 second round draft pick<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Jeff
Photo by Mike Coppola\/Getty Images for NYU Langone Medical Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cToo many people think that\u00a0skin cancer\u00a0is \u2018the good kind of cancer.\u2019 What they don\u2019t realize is that a skin cancer diagnosis changes you. The emotional, physical and monetary costs can be high, especially if the cancer has been ignored and allowed to grow.\u201d \u2013 Jeff Rossen<\/a>, TV personality<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


\nSkin Cancer Is\u2026 Serious<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cMy biggest challenge as a stage IV melanoma survivor is the recurrence, but also trying to stay out of the sun, trying to keep my children from wanting to be tan, keeping up with my doctor appointments and scans and, most of all, reminding myself that I\u2019m alive!\u201d Kim, Facebook follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been battling skin cancer for 30 years. It\u2019s a lot of being on edge, trying to deal with the disease and putting up with people who still don\u2019t think it\u2019s \u2018real cancer.\u2019\u201d \u2013 Lisa, Facebook follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI lost my husband in 2021 after he lived with metastatic melanoma for three years. While to me skin cancer means grief, pain and fearing the unknown, it also means courage, grace and LIVING whatever time we have. Thank you for doing the work you do!\u201d \u2013 Michael, Facebook follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Skin Cancer Is\u2026 Preventable<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"James\u201cSkin cancer is one of the cancers we can prevent through knowledge. No tan is worth the risks. I\u2019m someone who always got color without getting sunburn and it still got me.\u201d \u2013 James Doherty, actor, Instagram follower, and skin cancer warrior<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Ron\u201cThe sun is not your friend. Check your skin and protect it from the sun. Get yourself examined professionally once a year. It could make the difference between life and death.\u201d \u2013 Ron Licciardi<\/a>, retired NYPD detective, YouTube influencer and skin cancer warrior<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Photo\u201cIf there\u2019s anything you can do to prevent skin cancer, you should just do it.\u201d \u2013 Chrissy Carbone<\/a>, melanoma warrior<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Skin Cancer Is\u2026 <\/strong>Curable When Found and Treated Early <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cHad my first skin biopsy done in November 2018 at age 15. Two of three biopsies came back precancerous. Since then, I\u2019m committed to raising awareness about skin cancers in young people. You\u2019re never too young to wear sunscreen and see a dermatologist.\u201d \u2013 Kaia, Instagram follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSkin cancer took my dad away from me within two months because he didn’t go get checked in time before it spread throughout his body.\u00a0I now get checked proudly every six months and am a huge advocate for skin cancer screenings.\u201d \u2013 Whitney, Facebook follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Trinity<\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed a spot on my leg that concerned me; it was stage II melanoma. I\u2019m now cancer free and I\u2019ve spent every day since that diagnosis telling anyone who will listen to get their skin checked!\u201d \u2013 Trinity Pearson, Mrs. Tennessee International 2021<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"#ThisIsSkinCancer<\/p>\n

Having surgery for a skin cancer on your face can be stressful, but most wounds heal nicely. Think of your scar as a badge of courage and healing. \u2013 Photo booth image submitted by a social media follower of The Skin Cancer Foundation<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Share Your Skin Cancer Story<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What does skin cancer mean to you? Share your story here<\/a>. We are honored to share the following videos created by skin cancer warriors from around the country.<\/p>\n

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