Survivor Shares Valuable Tools for the Fight Against Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to check in on your skin health. However, diligence in taking proper care of your skin should be routine throughout the year.  

This type of diligence has been lifesaving for many people, including a well-known South Central Registered Nurse, Allie Eaton.  

Allie was in college when she discovered a new mole had suddenly appeared on her face. Allie is blonde with fair skin and has always had an abundance of “beauty marks,” or moles, so this new mark initially did not cause alarm. Once it began to take on abnormal characteristics, such as a darker color, she decided to visit her dermatologist.  

“I got a call in June from my dermatologist, and she said, ‘hey, we got your pathology results back, would you like to come back in?’” said Allie as she reflected on the experience. “I knew usually when someone calls you back in, it can’t be good. I also knew that a pathology report usually doesn’t take that long.”  

During that appointment, Allie was told that the biopsied mole was malignant melanoma, which according to the American Cancer Society is, “a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control.”  

This was not the diagnosis that Allie or her family were expecting. It evoked a whirlwind of emotion, leaving the Eaton family wondering what they should do next.  

“Anytime you get faced with the news that you have cancer — no matter what type of cancer — it makes you fearful,” said Allie. “You do not know what tomorrow holds.” 

This type of skin cancer is considered to be the most dangerous because of its propensity to spread quickly, which is why Allie’s surgical oncologist suggested removing the cancerous mole and lymph nodes to test to see if the cancer had spread.  

“They were able to remove the lymph nodes and send them for testing,” said Allie. “About two weeks later, I got a call from my doctor. It was during that appointment that I found out I didn’t just have melanoma—I had stage 3 malignant melanoma. The cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes.”  

Soon after receiving the unexpected diagnosis, Allie was confronted with a series of difficult decisions. Her doctors informed her that she was a candidate for treatment and presented several options: she could begin chemotherapy in pill form, undergo immunotherapy or take a more conservative approach—opting for preventive monitoring to see if the cancer returned. 

“That’s when I just gave it to God,” said Allie, in a trembling voice. “I didn’t want to do treatment. I was trying to start nursing school. So, we decided the best thing for me to do was to take preventative measures.”  

After making the difficult decision not to seek treatment, Allie now keeps a strict schedule of dermatologist visits for skin checks, regular oncology appointments for PET scans and ultrasounds, and she remains vigilant with frequent self-examinations to monitor for any signs of recurrence. 

“I’ve found a deep peace, knowing that God holds me in His hands,” she said. “He is the ultimate healer, and His grace and mercy in my life have been nothing short of surreal.” 

Over the past five years, Allie has caught four different precancerous spots on her skin and had them removed.  

“I go every three to six months, and I trust that everything is going to work out for God’s glory and my good,” said Allie with a smile. “And I will be five years cancer-free in July.”  

“Our daughter was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma — a moment no parent ever wants to face,” said Allie’s parents. “Through the tears, fears and countless prayers, we came to understand just how vital skin cancer awareness truly is. We are beyond thankful to God for the miracle of healing he has given our family.”  

Allie does not take this gift for granted and she has made it her goal to educate others on how to prevent and identify skin cancer. 

“This has made me look at life differently,” said Allie. “I didn’t think it would happen to me. This can happen to anybody, and I want to share my story because it can save a life.” 

 

Ways to Reduce Your Risk: 

Being proactive is important in preventing any type of cancer, especially skin cancer. It is important to practice sun safety, do self-skin checks often and have your skin examined by a trained professional.  

1. Practice Sun Safety 

  It is important to care for your skin from an early age by limiting sun exposure and avoiding sunburn. To do this, dermatologists suggest that you wear sunscreen daily, especially when you are doing an outdoor activity in the sun. Keep in mind that it does not have to be warm outside for a person to burn. In fact, snow creates a reflective effect that increases your risk of getting a sunburn. When applying sunscreen, remember to think about the less obvious parts of your skin such as your scalp, the back of your neck and your hands. Do not forget to re-apply. It is never a bad idea, especially for people who work in the sun daily, to also wear protective clothing to further shield their skin from damaging rays. 

2. Monitor Your Skin

Everyone’s skin is different, and anyone can get skin cancer, however, certain attributes make you more susceptible. According to the American Cancer Society, “the risk of melanoma is much higher for people with lighter skin color than for people with darker skin. Among people with lighter skin, those with red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, or skin that freckles or burns easily are at increased risk.” The American Cancer Society also asserts that although most moles are not problematic, “someone who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma.” With these things in mind, it is important to be familiar with your skin and to pay attention to any changes. Experts recommend using the ABCDE method for evaluating moles and other skin lesions. The acronym helps you remember to evaluate the following attributes of the lesion: 

• Asymmetry  

• Border  

• Color  

• Diameter  

• Evolving  

3. See a Dermatologist for a Skin Check 

Your skin, despite being the largest organ in your body, often does not receive the medical attention that it should. In the same way that people prioritize monitoring their heart or their lungs, they ought to prioritize having their skin monitored for abnormalities. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that the average person should get their skin checked by a professional, “once a year, or more often if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer.” Dermatologists are trained to identify abnormalities that might go unnoticed by an untrained person or in a self-exam. An article found in the National Library of Medicine details the results of a 2021 controlled study on 1010 patients. This study identified that among the participants, “A total 1563 biopsy-proven cutaneous malignancies were found. Of these, 797 cancers (51%) were first identified by a dermatologist on total body skin exam and 764 (48.9%) by the patient or the referring provider.”  

South Central Dermatology offers a compassionate, patient-centered approach to dermatology. Amy Adams, MD, Ashlynn Bennett, FNP and Brittany Gardner, FNP, provide comprehensive care for conditions related to the hair, skin and nails. To schedule an appointment, call 601-425-4860.