Check those Moles! Miles for Melanoma in May

I've signed up to do Miles in May for Melanoma Focus again! Last year I managed 200 miles, but I was also 'gainfully' unemployed and the walking did a whole lot of good for my mental health at a challenging time in my career. Will I squeeze in 200 this year? Let's see!

My melanoma journey started in early 2023, when a mole I'd had for as long as I could remember turned out to be cancerous. Following further investigation, I fortunately had the all clear. Since then I've had checkups every three months, getting every centimetre of my skin looked at (and I mean every centimetre!) and moles photographed for review.

After my experience, I vowed to raise more awareness about melanoma.
- Redheads are less than 2% of the population, but make up nearly 20% of melanoma cases. So if you have the redhead gene, it's doubly important that you check those moles
- As we go into warmer, sunnier weather, remember that many moisturisers with SPF don't fully protect against UVA and UVB. I use La Roche Posay's Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+, one of many recommended by dermatologists. It's pretty lightweight and has great protection. Here are some tips and advice on sun cream: melanomafocus.org/about-melanoma/sun-safety/sun-creams-information/
- If you're worried about a mole, take a photo of it every month and monitor it. If it changes, it's worth contacting your doctor. You can find out lots of information about checking your skin at melanomafocus.org/about-melanoma/skin-check-leaflet/

I'd love it if you could make a donation to Melanoma Focus to help them continue their vital work.

I know some of you have lost loved ones to melanoma, including in the last year. This goes out those who are no longer with us, and those who are missing them.

Emily xx