I am a second-stage, Clark Level IV, and an in situ first-stage, survivor of melanoma, and I'm living with cancer. I want to get that out right up front because the idea of living with cancer doesn't regularly make the news, especially when talking about melanoma.

Melanoma is the fastest-growing cancer in America and is second only to leukemia in killing people of working age. You are equally as likely to get it if you're 20, or if you're like me and just turned 50 years old. It hits all age groups, including teenagers, equally. The main causes of this cancer are getting burned in the sun, tanning beds and family history.

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