When was Your Last Skin Check?

“You have melanoma.” Three words I wasn’t expecting to hear from my dermatologist in January 2024. I’m 15 years into annual skin checks, and I’ve had my fair share of things removed for testing. A couple frozen basal cells, a squamous cell excision. Each spot stopped in its tracks, thanks to early detection and treatment. 

But melanoma? The skin cancer that’s responsible for 75 percent of skin cancer deaths in the U.S.¹ The cancer that took the life of a favorite client turned dear friend in the prime of her life. It’s the promise I made to Joan during her final days — to start annual skin checks — that gets me to the derm every year, no fail. 

My melanoma was caught and stopped at Stage 1 thanks to screening access, early detection and excellent medical care. I’m lucky. And grateful. I continue to be a frequent flier at my dermatologist’s office, but I am cancer free. 

When was your last skin check? 

If you’re not sure or you’ve never had a skin check, the American Academy of Dermatology Association, Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society offer loads of information on skin cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Skin cancers are the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. at more than more than 5 million cases reported annually.¹ Most skin cancers are highly treatable — when detected early. 

Don’t wait. Call your dermatologist today and make an appointment. Need a dermatologist? Ask friends and family members for recommendations. Visit your health insurance website or call the member service line if you need a referral. It can take several months to get appointments, so all you need to do today is make the appointment. And then get three people you love to make their appointments. 

Calling all companies: support cancer screenings 

Work commitments are cited by employees as a key reason they delay or skip recommended cancer screenings. If you’re a leader in your organization — please educate, advocate and provide time off for cancer screenings. Employees, bring this idea to your organization’s HR team as an idea for a company-wide wellness initiative. 

Screening Time Off is a new campaign from the folks who brought us the Working with Cancer Pledge in 2023. There’s a complete activation toolkit and resources at the campaign website. And what better time than now to explore how your organization can take the Working with Cancer Pledge.  

Beehive signed and implemented its Working with Cancer Pledge two years ago. Our team speaks openly and supportively (and electively) about screening schedules, and we share provider recommendations and outcomes. At least two of our team members have caught skin issues in their precancerous stage since I shared my diagnosis. The power of communication and early detection. 

There are millions of people working and living with cancer. We can make our journeys and their journeys so much better through screenings, early detection and treatment. If you’d like more information about Beehive’s Working with Cancer Pledge, drop me an email. I’m happy to share our pledge and activation plan. 

¹ Source: American Cancer Society