Jamie’s instincts were spot on — she knows now, two years later, that a rapidly metastasizing Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) was the reason for James’ sudden weight loss.
Ali is the Marketing Communications Manager for The Skin Cancer Foundation. She is originally from Upstate New York, but relocated to Manhattan after graduating from Lehigh University. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2016, Ali worked as a health and science journalist, covering everything from neuroscience to fitness fads. When she’s not writing about sun protection and skin cancer, she’s probably reading a fantasy novel, sampling the pasta at a local restaurant or planning her next trip.
Jamie’s instincts were spot on — she knows now, two years later, that a rapidly metastasizing Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) was the reason for James’ sudden weight loss.
What is this new treatment, and why is it such a big step forward?
“My doctor called me herself, not the office, so I knew something was fishy. She said the biopsy came back and it wasn’t basal cell, it wasn’t squamous cell and it wasn’t melanoma. So I asked, ‘What’s left on the list?’” It was Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), she told him, a rare and dangerous form of skin cancer.
According to a 2019 study, melanoma patients with a history of smoking are more likely to die from the disease than patients who do not smoke. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in the journal Cancer Research, found that melanoma patients with a history of smoking cigarettes are 40 percent less likely to survive the disease than those who have never smoked.
Photosensitivity occurs when the skin reacts in an abnormally sensitive way to light from the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, like a tanning bed.
We saw the FDA approve a groundbreaking drug, companies debut new technology to help increase our awareness of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays and lawmakers pass indoor tanning legislation.
On the evening of October 25, the Grand Ballroom at The Plaza in New York City was buzzing with excitement. […]
We love hearing about the unique ideas people come up with to support The Skin Cancer Foundation, but we never expected to hear that people would be willing to eat something that tastes like dirty socks to help fund our work. That’s just what the Colorado State Patrol has inspired others to do with their #EatTheBean Challenge.
A recent encounter during a free screening on our Destination Healthy Skin RV showed, once again, how imperative it is to check in with your skin regularly. It could very well save you time and money in the future, and may even save your life.
While plenty of your chosen sunscreen’s characteristics can be left up to personal preference, there are two things you shouldn’t compromise on: an SPF of at least 15, and broad-spectrum protection.
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