Thread by @tmprowell

President Jimmy Carter died today at age 100, having lived w/ melanoma that had spread to his brain & liver for >9y. I grew up in GA admiring him, so as an oncologist, I’d like to honor his life by teaching you a bit. #melsm #MedTwitter

First, the ⚠️ signs (ABCDE 👇) & pics

/1

It’s important to know who’s at ⬆️ risk for #melanoma (see 📸 ).

UV exposure (☀️ or tanning bed) is the major risk.

Having 5 sunburns doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma. Age matters. Even ONE blistering sunburn as a kid/teen doubles lifetime risk!

🔑 AVOID BURNS! /2

People with dark skin can also get melanoma (though they are at much lower risk than people with fair skin).

And #melanoma can appear in unusual places including some you might not expect like your nails or even areas that get little or no sun exposure. /3

#melsm #MedTwitter

The outcomes for people with #melanoma have improved dramatically in the last 2 decades. Still you’ll have the best odds of cure if the cancer is caught before it has spread to lymph nodes or organs, so if you notice something suspicious, get it checked out. /4 #melsm

If you lack regular access to healthcare, there are free skin cancer screenings around the 🇺🇸 a few times a year, usually in warmer months. Check your state here or sign up for alerts when one will occur in your area:


#melsm #MedTwitter #OncTwitteraad.org/public/public-…

And if you are interested in info & materials to host a free skin cancer check in your own community, go here: .

#MedTwitter #melsm #melanoma #OncTwitter #MedEdaad.org/member/career/…

Please bookmark & share the 🧵 from the top to help others recognize #melanoma & the importance of early diagnosis. May #JimmyCarter rest in peace after an incredible life of service, & may we all be inspired by his example. Each of us has something to offer. #melsm #MedTwitter