Stage Free Melanoma

Stage FREE Melanoma (SFM) is an early stage non-profit organization, based in San Diego, California, with close ties to the Melanoma community and experience.

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

#stopitbeforeitstarts

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Thank you to everyone that has supported Stage Free Melanoma. From event volunteers, donors, sponsors and participants. Without your hard work this donation to UCSD Moore’s Cancer Center would not have happened.
@uvskins
@sunrisestrips
@ucsdcancer
@UCSDHealth
@pacdermatology

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Stage Free Melanoma thanking the Menifee Police Department for all that they do. @menifeepd @sunrisestrips @PacificDerm @UVSkinz
#stopitbeforeitstarts

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Join Stage Free for a 5k Run/Walk! Join us at Kit Carson Park in Escondido, CA on Saturday, August 19 at 9am This walk is in honor of Eric Martin, the founder of Stage Free Melanoma - a true #melanomawarrior who gained his wings on July 30, 2020. https://t.co/bEkQ4wSkIS

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Spray Sunscreen is better than no sunscreen
However: It is only effective if used correctly. Spray sunscreen can lead to missed spots - you should rub it in. This is because even fine sprays will coat your body unevenly, and rubbing it in ensures that you get better coverage

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Chemical sunscreens contain filters that are FDA-approved ingredients such as Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, and Avobenzone, that absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release them
They offer a more transparent finish, lighter feel, and a wider variety of applications

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Physical or mineral sunscreen, sits on top of skin and creates a barrier on the skin that reflects the UV rays

Most mineral sunscreens leave a residue on skin - it takes a moment to sink in and become invisible

Active ingredients are Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide

#Melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

According to the AAD, the FDA requires all sunscreens to retain their original strength for at least three years. Many sunscreens include an expiration date printed on the label. Visible changes in color or consistency can also indicate that it is time to dispose of the product

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much protection the product offers against UV radiation.

Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 block 97 percent of the sun’s rays.

#melanoma #melanomaawarenessmonth #melanomawarrior

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Radiation from the sun includes two types of harmful rays:

UVA: cause premature aging of the skin
UVB: Most dangerous - causes sunburns
Overexposure to both can cause skin cancer. Broad spectrum helps protect against the effects of both UVA and UVB rays.

#melanomaawarenessmonth

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Although lighter skin has a higher risk of developing melanoma, overall - darker skin has a higher mortality rate

This may be for several reasons, including:
Later diagnosis because symptoms aren’t as easy to spot
Less access to specialized healthcare
Less sunscreen

#melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

And don’t forget where the Sun doesn’t shine either!

#melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Years of cumulative sun damage is thought to be a cause

#Melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

In 2023, approx 7,990 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,420 men and 2,570 women)

#Melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

In fact, it’s #3

#melanoma

[Stage Free Melanoma @stage_free]

Ragnar’s biggest running party of the year, Ragnar Road So Cal!

This past weekend Stage Free participated in this 200-ish mile journey through San Diego to Huntington Beach! Our volunteers were there to help, educate and teach the runners about sun protection! #Melanoma