Melanoma campaigner suffers from skin cancer

Melanoma campaigner suffers from skin cancer

Tuesday 3 February 2009

A leading melanoma campaigner is warning New Zealanders that the disease can strike anyone, after finding out that she has the cancer.

As head of the Melanoma Foundation, Anne Ackerman knows all there is to know about this type of skin cancer.  But she was still shocked when a routine check in December led to the discovery that a small spot on her leg was melanoma.

"The doctor laughed nervously and was almost embarrassed that he was telling the head of the Melanoma Foundation that she had melanoma too.  I just laughed back.  It was like a black comedy," Anne says.

Anne says like most kiwi kids she suffered sunburn as a child. 

"I was a typical kid, spending all day outdoors on the beach and playing netball over the summer holidays. At the end of the day I would often get that familiar tingling sensation in the shower and knew I had had too much sun."

Spending time outdoors is a big part of enjoying the New Zealand summer but SunSmart Manager at HSC, Wayde Beckman, says getting sunburnt in childhood increases the risk of melanoma in later life.  He says with 90 percent of skin cancer caused by over-exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, there are some easy steps that parents and caregivers can take to protect their children.

"Parents need to protect their children from the sun by making sure they always slip, slop, slap and wrap," he says.

"Make sure your kids slip into protective clothing like shirts with collars and longer sleeves and into some shade in the middle of the day.  Slap on a broad-brimmed hat or cap with flaps; wrap on a pair of close fitting sunglasses that offer good UV protection and slop on a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen."

Anne's melanoma has been removed but she is urging others to get their skin checked out.

"When I found out that I had melanoma I could see the irony of the situation.  I realised that being the head of the Melanoma Foundation doesn't make me immune to the disease.

"Don't think 'it won't happen to me' as I have proved it can happen to anyone.  My advice to others is to go to your doctor or a dermatologist and get an annual check as it could save your life. If you catch it early you have a really good chance of recovery."

HSC advises keeping an eye out for new or changing spots, freckles or moles, which could be melanoma.  If you see any changes then see your doctor immediately even if the changes look minor or insignificant.  Treatment is easier and has a greater chance of success if it is started early.

ENDS

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