Health
Melanoma patients reveal dramatic stories for Skin Cancer Awareness Month: ‘I thought I was careful’
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. — with one in five Americans developing the disease by the age of 70.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, expected to take the lives of more than 8,200 people in the U.S. this year.
This May, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are sharing their stories of how they overcame this invasive form of the disease.
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One even wrongly assumed that what she was experiencing “was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure.” Here’s what others can learn.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the skin’s pigmentation (color).
Most cases — but not all — are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones and types.
“Melanoma is one of the most common type of cancer in younger patients,” Nayoung Lee, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told Fox News Digital.
Abby Weiner, pictured at left and at right with her husband and sons, was diagnosed with melanoma in Oct. 2023. (Abby Weiner)
The prognosis is “very good” when melanoma is detected early, but the survival rate falls steeply when it is detected at a more advanced stage, she noted.
“Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream to your lymph nodes and distant organs, so it is crucial to do regular skin exams to try to catch it at an early stage,” Lee said.
One mom’s story
Abby Weiner, 43, a wife and mother of three young boys living in Washington, D.C., had always been careful about protecting her skin from the sun — which is why her Oct. 2023 melanoma diagnosis was such a shock, she said.
“I had a spot on my cheek that started as a freckle and began getting darker and larger,” she told Fox News Digital.
“I assumed it was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure.”
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Weiner’s sister encouraged her to get it checked out — which led to a biopsy and diagnosis.
“I was obviously shocked and frightened at first,” said Weiner.
Her melanoma was removed using Mohs surgery, a procedure in which thin layers of skin are removed one at a time.
“I required two procedures to remove the cancer and surrounding margins,” she said. “Now, most people don’t even know I had surgery.”
To others, Weiner’s advice is to remember to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis all year long.
“If we were eating outdoors and there wasn’t a table in the shade, I would end up sitting in the sun.”
“I thought I was careful about protecting myself from sun exposure by wearing a hat or applying sunscreen when my family was at the pool or planning to be outdoors — but if we were eating outdoors and there wasn’t a table in the shade, I would end up sitting in the sun.”
Now, Weiner said she will wait a little longer for a shaded table, and she always keeps a hat and sunscreen with her.
“My sons used to have difficulty applying sunscreen and wearing hats, but now that they’ve seen the impact skin cancer had on me, they are more cooperative,” she said.
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Weiner also recommends that everyone gets yearly skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist.
“I have so many friends — and even my sister, who probably saved my life — who didn’t regularly see a dermatologist for a yearly skin check before they learned about my melanoma.”
One beach lover’s story
Steve Murray, 68, of the greater Washington, D.C. area, has worked in construction for several decades.
During his childhood, Murray spent summers at the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, and winter visits to Florida, where he was exposed to the sun and didn’t do much to protect himself.
In the late 1990s, Murray was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, a variation of skin cancer that tends to develop in people who have had a lot of sun exposure.
In 2008, he was diagnosed with melanoma.
“My initial symptoms included itching and scaling on my head, followed by irritation,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Then there was discoloration and irregularity in the shape of my moles.”
“You don’t notice at the time of initial exposure, but it haunts you later in life.”
Initially, Murray feared the worst — “mainly death” — but his dermatologist determined that the melanoma was only on his scalp and hadn’t traveled to his lymph nodes.
Like Weiner, Murray had Mohs surgery to get rid of the cancer — and he was cleared.
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Since that diagnosis, Murray has had several more bouts of skin cancer.
In 2024, he underwent two surgeries for squamous cell carcinoma on his hand and back.
Now, Murray visits the dermatologist every three to six months. Also, he always wears a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves whenever possible to protect himself from the sun.
Abby Weiner is pictured with her three young sons. “My sons used to have difficulty applying sunscreen and wearing hats, but now that they’ve seen the impact skin cancer had on me, they are more cooperative,” she said. (Abby Weiner)
Murray’s advice to others is to make sun protection a priority when outdoors.
“You don’t notice at the time of initial exposure, but it haunts you later in life when you start developing pre-cancers and skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma that require immediate attention,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Capturing these pre-cancers and cancers of the skin must be diagnosed early with regular checkups,” he added. “Failure to do so could lead to death.”
5 protection tips from an expert
Dr. Lee of NYU Langone Health shared five tips to help prevent potentially deadly skin cancers like melanoma.
1. Skip the sunbathing
“Avoiding a burn is really only half the battle — there is no such thing as a base tan,” Lee said. “Damaged skin is damaged skin.”
For a safer way to achieve a sun-kissed glow on your first beach day of the summer, Lee recommends using self-tanning products.
2. Wear sunscreen every day, in all weather and in every season
When applying sunscreen, Lee recommends using 1 ounce, which would fill a shot glass.
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“It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label, which protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays,” she said.
Reapply at least every 80 minutes, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
3. Use physical sunscreen
Physical sunscreen contains zinc or titanium, which is superior in efficacy to chemical sunscreen, according to Lee.
4. Learn how to do a skin self-exam
“Check your skin regularly so you know what’s normal and to notice any changes or new growths,” Lee advised.
“Not all melanomas are dark and scary-appearing,” a doctor said. “They can be amelanotic, which means they can be more skin colored or pink.” (iStock)
“Seek a dermatologist’s evaluation if you notice a changing, bleeding or persistently itchy spot.”
5. Apply the ABCDE rule
This is the best way to determine if any mole or blemish is cancerous, according to Lee.
The ABCDE rule tells you what to look for when examining your skin.
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The A stands for asymmetrical. “Noncancerous moles are typically symmetrical,” Lee said.
B is for border, as the border of a cancerous spot or mole may be irregular or blurred.
The ABCDE rule is the best way to determine if any mole or blemish is cancerous, according to a dermatologist. (iStock)
C stands for color. “A typical mole tends to be evenly colored, usually a single shade of brown,” Lee noted.
“Not all melanomas are dark and scary-appearing. They can be amelanotic, which means they can be more skin colored or pink.”
D stands for diameter of the spot or mole, which may be a warning sign if it’s larger than 6 millimeters, according to Lee.
If the spot is evolving, which is what E stands for, it might be of concern.
Lee added, “Because melanomas can vary in appearance, it is important to see a dermatologist regularly for skin exams if you have a history of significant sun exposure, have many atypical appearing moles, or a family or personal history of melanoma so that you have an experienced set of eyes looking at any spots of concern.”
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For years, researchers have believed prolonged sitting could raise dementia risk — but new findings suggest the type of sitting may matter more than previously thought.
The research, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in March, found that replacing mentally passive sedentary behavior with mentally active sedentary behavior was associated with a significant reduction in dementia risk.
Mentally active sedentary behaviors could include reading, office work and other activities that keep the brain engaged while sitting, while mentally passive behaviors may include watching television or other low-engagement screen activities.
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To gather the findings, Swedish researchers analyzed data from more than 20,000 adults between ages 35 and 64 who were tracked over a 19-year period, between 1997 and 2016, according to a press release.
Participants answered questions about their sitting habits, physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors, while dementia diagnoses were identified using Swedish health and death records.
Researchers emphasized that how people use their brains while sitting may matter more than previously understood. (iStock)
Mentally active sedentary behavior was associated with “a significant reduction in dementia risk” compared to more passive sitting activities.
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Although the study was based in Sweden, the release said the findings “are likely generalizable to a wider global population” and could help “inform public health guidelines and preventive strategies to reduce dementia.”
In a statement, lead researcher Dr. Mats Hallgren of Sweden’s Karolinska Institute said the study highlighted major distinctions between passive and mentally engaging sedentary habits when it comes to brain health.
The research tracked more than 20,000 adults over nearly two decades to examine links between sitting habits and dementia. (iStock)
“While all sitting involves minimal energy expenditure, it may be differentiated by the level of brain activity,” said Hallgren.
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“How we use our brains while we are sitting appears to be a crucial determinant of future cognitive functioning and, as we have shown, may predict dementia onset.”
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Sedentary behavior is a “ubiquitous but modifiable risk factor for many health conditions, including dementia,” according to the researcher.
“Our study adds the observation that not all sedentary behaviors are equivalent; some may increase the risk of dementia, while others may be protective,” he added. “It is important to remain physically active as we age, but also mentally active — especially when we are sitting.”
The findings suggest not all sitting behaviors are equal when it comes to protecting long-term brain health. (iStock)
The CDC projects that by 2060, nearly 14 million American adults will have Alzheimer’s disease.
One recent study published by the Alzheimer’s Association found that a person’s biological age may be tied to dementia risk.
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Researchers also recently found that a higher intake of unprocessed meat may protect against dementia in older people who have a variant of a certain gene.
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Walking is a great way to get the body moving and clear the mind — but if you’re doing it wrong, it may do more harm than good.
That’s according to Dr. Milica McDowell, author of the new book “Walk,” a guide to getting the most out of walking.
The Montana-based doctor of physical therapy, who specializes in lower extremity and orthopedics, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital how powerful walking can be.
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“Walking has incredible health benefits for your wellness today and your longevity tomorrow,” she said. “And it’s something that’s at an all-time low since the pandemic.”
“Walking improves every system in your body – gut, musculoskeletal, mental health, your hormones – and so it has an incredible power to help optimize how you’re doing.”
“Walk,” co-authored by physical therapist Milica McDowell, explores how walking can improve longevity, mobility, mental well-being and overall fitness. (Amelia Anne Photography; Hachette Book Group/Alexander Ryabintsev)
McDowell added that walking is a “phenomenal way” to support a weight-loss journey, as it’s low-impact and low-intensity. It can also boost creativity and reduce stress.
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While the health benefits of walking are evident, McDowell warned of some mistakes that could reverse progress.
No. 1: Walking while scrolling
Escaping our phones can sometimes feel impossible, but if there’s ever a time to be on do-not-disturb, it’s during a walk, according to McDowell.
Walking while scrolling is “really dangerous,” she cautioned, as you’re less aware of your surroundings and more susceptible to accidents.
Walking while scrolling is a danger to public health, the expert says. (iStock)
“You could step in a pothole. You could get hit by a car. You could trip over something. You could bump into someone,” she said. “Walking and scrolling is actually a bit of a public health crisis.”
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Scrolling also puts the neck in a downward position, making the head heavier, which changes your posture “from the top down,” McDowell said. “That can be a problem if you’re someone who struggles with neck pain, back pain or shoulder pain.”
No. 2: Wearing the wrong shoes
McDowell recommends wearing a proper shoe designed specifically for walking to support the feet, promote healthy alignment and protect musculoskeletal health.
The shoe should be “shaped like a foot” so that the toes have room to spread within a wide toe box, she said.
Having space between each toe activates more muscles in the foot and creates a “more healthy walking gait,” according to the expert.
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More than 60% of adults wear the wrong shoe size, according to McDowell, and sizing can vary significantly between brands and manufacturers. She recommends getting measured by a professional to ensure the optimal fit.
No. 3: Not balancing your routine
Walking engages important muscles that support stability and mobility, including the glutes, which help propel the body forward with each step.
But walking shouldn’t be your only form of exercise, experts say. Incorporating strength training and other forms of movement can help prevent overuse injuries, improve balance and build overall fitness.
A well-rounded fitness routine will boost the health benefits of walking, the expert said. (iStock)
“A health stack includes drinking enough water, having healthy nutrition and sleeping adequately — and walking can be added to the other activities,” she said.
Pairing walking with activities like weightlifting, pickleball, dancing or CrossFit can help create a more balanced fitness routine, according to McDowell, and are all part of building a strong “health stack.”
“A health stack includes drinking [enough] water, having healthy nutrition, sleeping adequately — and walking can be added to the other activities,” she said.
No. 4: Not considering walking speed
The speed at which we walk may tell us more about our health than we think.
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Walking speed is the sixth vital sign of health, according to McDowell. These clinical measurements also include blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.
If your walking speed begins to decline, this could be a marker of underlying health conditions up to seven years before they occur.
A decline in walking speed could be an early warning sign of an underlying health condition. (iStock)
While most people walk at about 90 to 100 steps per minute, translating to about three miles per hour, McDowell suggested increasing your speed to reap “higher level benefits.”
This might mean taking a brisk walk at about 120 to 130 steps per minute, or three and a half to four miles an hour.
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“That can be a place where you get higher level payoff, including more calories burned, if you’re on a weight-loss journey,” she said.
No. 5: Not staying consistent
McDowell emphasized the importance of staying consistent with your walking routine.
A daily walk will have bigger payoffs than only walking once or twice a week. The expert likened walking to basic hygiene, such as brushing your teeth.
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“Everyone is at different places on their walking journey,” she said. “Don’t set the 10,000 steps per day benchmark. That is a marketing myth … Go ahead and find a step count that works well for you, maybe between 5,500 and 7,500.”
Efficiency is everything
McDowell summed up that each walk should be efficient.
“If you are an efficient walker, you are graceful, you are not wasting energy, you are walking balanced no matter your height, your weight or your age,” she said.
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As the wellness movement has emphasized the importance of just moving, McDowell commented that walking is a “pinnacle activity” in this push.
“People are recognizing that these softer, more consistent activities can provide a lot of benefit for our physical and mental health,” she said.
McDowell encourages walking with a friend for added social benefit. (iStock)
“You don’t have to go and crush yourself in the gym. You don’t have to be dripping sweat … It’s something you can do for periods of time throughout the day, little ‘snacks’ that all add up, or you can take longer walks depending on what time is available to you.”
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Walking can also be a positive social experience done with friends and loved ones, McDowell noted. This is particularly important for seniors who can benefit from the combined physical activity and social interaction.
“Walking with an older adult can help combat loneliness,” she said. “It can also help improve balance and reaction time, and reduce fall risk.”
Health
Filtered water at specific ages could add months to your lifespan decades later, new study finds
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Drinking filtered water may extend a person’s life by several months, according to a new study.
The research, published in the American Journal of Health Economics, reveals that being exposed to water filtration systems early in life can significantly increase longevity. By analyzing public health infrastructure shifts from the early 20th century, researchers found that city water filtration alone increased the lifespan of older American men by an average of 3.2 months.
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“While water quality has improved in many areas, this study shows the real impacts to communities without access to safe water, both in the U.S. and globally,” co-author Jason Fletcher, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, said in a press release.
“The consequences on human health are significant.”
“This study shows the real impacts to communities without access to safe water,” the study’s author said in a press release. (iStock)
The team analyzed data from the Social Security Administration’s Death Master Files. They tracked death records for American men born between 1975 and 2005, mapping each individual’s year and city of birth to historical water filtration records.
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By connecting early-life environments to late-life outcomes, the researchers isolated the lifelong impact of clean water.
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Beyond adding months to a person’s life, the study suggests that clean water in childhood sets off a positive chain reaction for socioeconomic and physical development.
The paper is part of a broader research initiative examining how environmental conditions earlier in life shape the modern American lifespan. (iStock)
Additional data from mid-20th-century censuses showed that early exposure to filtered water was linked to increased height, higher education and income levels later in life.
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The paper is part of a broader research initiative called the American Mortality Project, which examines how early-life conditions shape the modern American lifespan.
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The researchers exclusively analyzed historical data from American men, meaning the findings may not fully capture how early-life water filtration impacted the long-term longevity, physical growth, or cognitive scores of women from the same era.
Due to analysis of a limited dataset of American cities, this may not apply to other nations or rural communities. (iStock)
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The data is limited to public health infrastructure changes across U.S. cities during a specific window in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Because of this, the exact timeline and magnitude of the lifespan extension (3.2 months) may not directly translate to modern developing nations, rural communities, or areas with different environments.
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