Lessons of a skin cancer scar

“Scars can be a little ugly on the outside, but scars show that you’re a survivor, that you made it through something, and not only did you make it through, but now you’re stronger and wiser and more educated because of that tough time that you went through.” ~Kyle Carpenter

Unprotected sunbathing was a common indiscretion for teenagers when I was growing up. Going for the burn, we’d spend endless summer days on the beach — happily oblivious to the fact that we’d pay a high price someday. We didn’t know that sun damage is cumulative, appearing much later in the form of saggy skin, wrinkles and, worse yet, skin cancer.

Summer officially starts this month, bringing longer days to savor in the sun. I want everyone to enjoy it — without risking the health of their skin. With that in mind, I’m reposting an earlier column about my experience with skin cancer. To read the column online in The Oakland Press, please click here.