I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, (sparkling city by the sea) same home town as Farrah Fawcett and even went to school with her younger cousin Liz. Boy, I’m dating myself now. We were all 10 years younger than Farrah. Sharing the same home town was big news for us back in the 70’s and of course, what girl didn’t want to have that Farrah Fawcett layered haircut. Farrah was beautiful and we all longed to have her signature style and luminous looking skin. She was cool!
That’s a long time ago and today, I’m sitting in my LUMINOSO STUDIOS® Salon & Spa thinking of days past. Farrah had a lot of controversy in her life (hey, who doesn’t after 62 years) but she also brought cancer to the forefront and made us realize you can’t hide, run away or escape cancer. It crosses every barrier economic, race, country, gender and humbles us all.
Skin cancer is high on the list of cancers that with early detection can generally be treated with successful outcomes. And you can help protect yourself with the daily application of sun protection. There are a lot of things in life we can’t control, but exposing our bodies to the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays is one thing we do have control over.
The most common type of cancer on the list is non-melanoma skin cancer, with more than 1,000,000 new cases expected in the United States in 2009. Arizona, my current state, is high on the list for skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancers represent about half of all cancers diagnosed in this country. (1) For more information on cancer statistics including colon and rectal cancers (which affected Farrah) and ways you can help with early detection and preventive measures, visit the National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health at http://www.cancer.gov.
So lather that sun protection factor on, (SPF of at least 30) avoid sun exposure during peak sunlight hours and reapply frequently when in and out of water for best protection. Early detection is always the best form of preventative medicine. Don’t ignore warning signs and talk to a medical professional as soon as possible. Take control of what we do have control over and live a healthier and hopefully longer life.
Farrah you will be missed. May you rest in peace sweetheart.
To your health-
Pam Tirado, President, Product Developer ILLUSTRE ESSENZA®
References
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts and Figures 2009. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society, 2009. Also available online. Last accessed May 7, 2009.