Striking out melanoma

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and his wife Shonda live a life many dream of.

But the couple was faced with a harsh reality when Shonda was diagnosed with stage two, malignant melanoma.

"I didn't realize that this was serious and that it takes people's lives. So that brought me to my knees," says Schilling.

The schillings created the Shade Foundation to raise awareness of melanoma.

"We need people to understand it is a different environment now. Our ozone layer is gone and we all really need to respect what Mother Nature is saying to us," says Shonda.

The group stresses self-body exams once a month to catch possible melanoma early. Start with your head, ears, and scalp. Lift your arms, and examine your back and legs, which are most prone to skin cancer. And don't forget to check between your fingers and toes as well.

In addition to self-exams, it's important to avoid the sun between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon. Avoid burning or tanning and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Source: Ivanhoe Broadcast News