Just Diagnosed… Now What?
Once you recover from the shock of being told you have melanoma, it’s important to learn all you can about this disease. The truth is, informed and empowered patients live longer, better lives. By arming yourself with knowledge, you’ll better understand what you’re up against. Soon, you will likely know more about melanoma than you ever thought possible. You will become familiar with terms and language you never knew before. You will understand the importance of regular skin exams, early detection, sun safety and possibly even advances in melanoma research. And, as a result of all of this knowledge, you may even help prevent someone you love from receiving a melanoma diagnosis. This is not a community anyone wants to join. However, it is important to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Nearly 1.3 million people are living with melanoma in the United States. At the end of this section, you will find ideas on how to meet others who have been diagnosed and, if you’d like, ways to get involved in the fight against this disease.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
> Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men, women and children of all ages, races and skin types. Melanoma does not discriminate. > Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults aged 25–29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults aged 15–29 years old. > About 90% of melanomas are thought to be caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
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