My column of May 14, 2025, was straight to the point, no holds barred, just sheer facts as to why skin cancer is truly a certain threat to your good health.
It’s time for a follow-up.
At the time, I recalled that in 2023 I noticed some odd-looking growth on my scalp. Keep it in mind, they weren’t huge and there was no pain. They were just taking up residence and that concerned me.
After an appointment with a dermatologist his finding was that he found three (3) cancerous carcinomas per the biopsy which consequently led to removal surgery.
Two years passed, it was now April 3, 2025. Once again, I noticed 4 suspicious growths, one on my neck, another on my ear, and two more on my scalp. Biopsy time again revealing two of them were indeed cancer and again resting on my scalp.
Like you, I was very concerned as to why these cancers totaling five (5) in just two years were reoccurring, so I asked my doctor that over the years I had plenty of hair and usually wore a ball cap, how did the sun’s rays attack my scalp if there was coverage, he replied – “The severe damage was done over many years of sun exposure which can and usually does result into skin cancer.”
Trust me, you do not want to see the photos of my post-surgeries. One removal location was directly on my forehead that resembled a bullet hole.
Another removal resulted in 12 stitches while the others healed naturally. The healing process does take time and sometimes leaves scars.
For the last several months here in 2026, I have been watching growths reappear with the thought I know full well what is likely returning.
For the third time in three years, it was obvious it was time to visit my dermatologist once again for a check up and reevaluation. The date was set for June 11.
For the record, in the examination room your doctor will scan the effected area for suspicious growths. Some of which can be “frozen” or burnt off as he scans looking for the bad guys we know as carcinomas.
Before my exam I could clearly see four (4) growths, three on my scalp and one on my nose.
After checking my ears, a growth on my nose got his attention and he subsequently froze it off. The other three were removed and were diagnosed as SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA.
So, the top of my head for the last several weeks resembled 3 bloody spots which will subside early after given treatment daily.
For me, since 2023, I have been treated for eight malignment cancer cells from the tissues of the skin. The others are possible and likely Melanomas. Know this, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and does merit concern.
It is your time to give due vigilance of new growths that resemble a mole or scab that will not heal.
THREE MAJOR CAUSES OF SKIN CANCER
• Extreme exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun
• Use of tanning booths
• Impairment of the immune system
Here in July with the scorching months of August and September to follow, keep in mind – nearly 9,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily making it the most prevalent cancer in the country. You should be concerned and begin taking preventative measures.
WHY THE CONCERN?
• 1 out of every 5 will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer every hour
• Having 5 or more sunburns, doubles your risk of melanoma
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
WHAT IS A MELANOMA?
Tumors that tend to grow outwardly on the surface of the skin. It could resemble a dark spot or getting larger. Some could be moles, some not.
WHAT IS CARCINOMA?
A form of cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body. They can occur in the skin, the breasts, and internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs, pancreas and colon.
It should be noted that not all skin cancers are the result of the burning rays of the sun.
So, during the hot and sultry days of the summer of ’26 here are three (3) avenues of advice –
• Protect your skin every day by seeking shade. This is very important between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• When outdoors for an EXTENDED amount of time, be sure to wear protective clothing such as including a long sleeve shirt, pants, a wide brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses when you can
• Sunscreen – use a broad band spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF ( sun protection factor) of “30” to all skin not covered by clothing.
• You should reapply your sun screen every two hours even on a cloudy day and after swimming or sweating.
Here is an event you DO NOT want to endure.
It happened to me one afternoon and my stupidity put me in the hospital overnight.
It was the summer of 1960, about this time 66 years ago. A very high sky, clouds were scarce. I arrived at the pool around 11 a.m. to check out the basketball court and began playing some games. The temperature was climbing into the high 80’s and very humid.
As I remember, I brought no sunscreen, no cap and no shirt. I was there to play basketball and work on good ‘tan”.
In between playing the games, I would head to the pool, dive in and cool off. There was a water fountain, but my intake was much less than the heat index. I repeated this routine almost all day, except to grab a burger and a cold drink.
Hours later, around 4 p.m., I decided to head home, take a shower and relax for the evening. As I remember, as I mentioned, I used little or no sunscreen. I was 22 and cool.
Another word, would indeed be “stupid.”
Shortly after arriving home, I began to shiver and chill and became nauseous. My uncle recommended that he would take me to the Emergency Room at the hospital.
I was getting worse as time ticked by and I was immediately admitted with the diagnosis of minor sun stroke; 2nd degree burns and dehydration.
The heat of the day took its toll on me that July day being burnt, no fluids in my body and just lucky I made it through the night.
Later, the next morning, I counted my blessings. As I viewed my day at the pool as an – EXERCISE IN STUPIDITY!
It’s a good bet, per my dermatologists – it was the beginning of my skin problems today.
Ready or not, here comes JULY – AUGUST – and SEPTEMBER!
Have a wonderful summer of ’26. Use your sunscreen, drink plenty of water and use good judgment. You’ll be happy you did.