Dear Editor:
I turned 24 four weeks ago, and five days after my birthday I was diagnosed with skin cancer.
I had gone to a walk-in clinic four days before I was diagnosed to get a weird looking mole removed. I thought nothing of it, as I believed like many people that nothing like cancer would ever happen to me. So I got the mole removed and then was called four days later to be told my mole was melanoma.
When I was told I had melanoma I thought that just was another word for skin cancer, but melanoma is actually a type of cancer that is deadly when left untreated. I spent the next three days after being diagnosed googling every question I had, in search of any positive answers I could get. I was the most afraid I have ever been. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "Wow, cancer at the age of 24." I would have never guessed this would have been something I would be dealing with.
I just had my second operation to remove more tissue in the hopes that the cancer was cut out the first time my mole was removed. My second incision was much bigger than the first, and this whole experience has made me realize that this can happen to anyone.
I spent the last seven years of my life tanning in the tanning salons, and went 22 days in a row before my Grade 12 grad. I know grads are doing it like they do every year, and grad is just around the corner. Tanning made me feel good, but it is not worth your life. I want people to hear my story, especially the youth, as this is a growing issue and it is on the rise. I want everyone to start taking it seriously, and realize it can happen to anyone. Tanning has to stop, people need to be aware of their moles, and sunscreen is incredibly important.
Jessica Van Wageningen, North Vancouver
