On Saturday, September 5, 2020, people at Huntington Beach, California, placed an umbrella to shade themselves while enjoying the beach.
Mary Lynn LeBlanc noticed a small mole on her left shoulder seven years ago, initially dismissed by doctors. By 2019, it grew and changed, becoming round with bumpy edges and a reddish-brown color on top. Concerned, she sought medical advice at a walk-in clinic, where a biopsy revealed nodular melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, diagnosed in January 2020.
After surgery to remove the tumor, which had spread to her back, it returned smaller and later metastasized to her left lung, requiring further surgery. Reflecting on her experience, LeBlanc emphasized melanoma's stealthy nature and the importance of early detection to prevent its potentially fatal spread.
Despite experiencing no pain or obvious symptoms, detecting melanoma without regular medical checks remains challenging. LeBlanc underwent monthly immunotherapy treatments for a year but faced setbacks due to drug allergies, requiring alternative medications. A recent CT scan raised concerns about a lymph node, prompting an upcoming biopsy in July to assess any recurrence.
LeBlanc attributed her skin cancer to years of sun exposure, a risk she wasn't fully aware of during her childhood and early adulthood. Despite developing a sun allergy and taking precautions like wearing shirts and using sunscreen, she continued to enjoy outdoor activities with her dogs, exposing herself to direct sunlight.
Now more cautious, LeBlanc avoids the sun during peak hours and prioritizes protective clothing and sunscreen. She shared her story to raise awareness as melanoma cases rise in Canada, urging others to take preventive measures and seek medical support if concerned about skin changes.
Dr. Maxwell Sauder, an onco-dermatologist, highlighted melanoma's severity, noting its potential to spread and cause fatalities. While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma's incidence has tripled in the last 30 years, with about 9,700 cases diagnosed in Canada in 2023.
Early detection significantly improves melanoma outcomes, as it allows for straightforward surgical removal before the cancer spreads. Treatment options include targeted therapies and immunotherapies tailored to combat melanoma's genetic mutations and bolster the body's immune response against cancerous cells.
Preventative measures like regular self-examinations and annual check-ups are crucial, particularly for those genetically predisposed or susceptible to sunburn. Dr. Sauder stressed the importance of safe sun practices—wearing hats, UV protective clothing, and applying sunscreen generously—to reduce UV radiation exposure, a primary trigger for melanoma.
Avoiding artificial tanning beds is essential, as they emit intense UV radiation linked to both melanoma and other skin cancers. Monitoring moles and skin changes for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or changes in size can aid in early detection, prompting timely medical evaluation and intervention.
Mary Lynn LeBlanc's journey with melanoma underscores the critical need for awareness, proactive health habits, and community support in managing and preventing skin cancer. Her advocacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against melanoma and the importance of sun safety in preserving skin health.
