Who to tell?
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Who to tell?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Who to tell?

  • Post
    • February 28, 2016 at 2:31 pm
    Marie with 4 boys
    Participant
      I’ve recently been diagnosed, and my doctor said to let my blood relatives know as they are now at increased risk. My question is, how far out on the family tree do I go? I’ve told children, siblings and parents. Should I also tell my cousins?

      I’ll be seeing a surgeon this week, so I’ll ask him as well, but thought I’d get some input here as well.

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • February 28, 2016 at 2:58 pm
        jpg
        Participant

          It is good raise awareness in your family, but don't scare them.  For the rate of genetic melanoma is less than 4%.  But do get them to check their skin!

          • February 28, 2016 at 2:58 pm
          jpg
          Participant

            It is good raise awareness in your family, but don't scare them.  For the rate of genetic melanoma is less than 4%.  But do get them to check their skin!

            • February 28, 2016 at 2:58 pm
            jpg
            Participant

              It is good raise awareness in your family, but don't scare them.  For the rate of genetic melanoma is less than 4%.  But do get them to check their skin!

              • February 28, 2016 at 6:18 pm
              jennunicorn
              Participant

                You've already told all the right people, like the other person said, don't scare them, the genetic factor is really low. It's good for them to be more aware if they were not already. I am sure from your experience they will automatically be more aware of changing moles or any new things that show up on their skin. My family was already very aware of their skin and have all had things biopsied before, thankfully they've never had a cancerous outcome. For my friends, I know it really woke a lot of them up and I've had a lot of them tell me that they've finally gone to a dermatologist to have an ugly mole they've always been kind of worried about looked at and taken off. Best of luck to you!

                • February 28, 2016 at 6:18 pm
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  You've already told all the right people, like the other person said, don't scare them, the genetic factor is really low. It's good for them to be more aware if they were not already. I am sure from your experience they will automatically be more aware of changing moles or any new things that show up on their skin. My family was already very aware of their skin and have all had things biopsied before, thankfully they've never had a cancerous outcome. For my friends, I know it really woke a lot of them up and I've had a lot of them tell me that they've finally gone to a dermatologist to have an ugly mole they've always been kind of worried about looked at and taken off. Best of luck to you!

                  • February 28, 2016 at 6:18 pm
                  jennunicorn
                  Participant

                    You've already told all the right people, like the other person said, don't scare them, the genetic factor is really low. It's good for them to be more aware if they were not already. I am sure from your experience they will automatically be more aware of changing moles or any new things that show up on their skin. My family was already very aware of their skin and have all had things biopsied before, thankfully they've never had a cancerous outcome. For my friends, I know it really woke a lot of them up and I've had a lot of them tell me that they've finally gone to a dermatologist to have an ugly mole they've always been kind of worried about looked at and taken off. Best of luck to you!

                    • February 29, 2016 at 8:42 am
                    Kim K
                    Participant

                      One of the positive things to come from my diagnosis was being able to find out who my natural family was since I was adopted.  I always had to leave the family history blank.  Melanoma pushed searching to the forefront.  I have 3 half sisters!

                      My aunt by marriage heard about my existance which led to her getting a mole removed off her ankle which turned out to be melanoma.  While talking amongst friends, a neighbor heard the story, got checked, and was diagnosed as stage III from a mole on his neck.

                      You can read the story if you google Lee Cataluna's story in the Honolulu Advertiser, Kim Kozuma.  I think the article came out in 2002 or 2003.

                      No familial mel, but at least the family is more vigilant about checking.

                      • February 29, 2016 at 8:42 am
                      Kim K
                      Participant

                        One of the positive things to come from my diagnosis was being able to find out who my natural family was since I was adopted.  I always had to leave the family history blank.  Melanoma pushed searching to the forefront.  I have 3 half sisters!

                        My aunt by marriage heard about my existance which led to her getting a mole removed off her ankle which turned out to be melanoma.  While talking amongst friends, a neighbor heard the story, got checked, and was diagnosed as stage III from a mole on his neck.

                        You can read the story if you google Lee Cataluna's story in the Honolulu Advertiser, Kim Kozuma.  I think the article came out in 2002 or 2003.

                        No familial mel, but at least the family is more vigilant about checking.

                        • February 29, 2016 at 8:42 am
                        Kim K
                        Participant

                          One of the positive things to come from my diagnosis was being able to find out who my natural family was since I was adopted.  I always had to leave the family history blank.  Melanoma pushed searching to the forefront.  I have 3 half sisters!

                          My aunt by marriage heard about my existance which led to her getting a mole removed off her ankle which turned out to be melanoma.  While talking amongst friends, a neighbor heard the story, got checked, and was diagnosed as stage III from a mole on his neck.

                          You can read the story if you google Lee Cataluna's story in the Honolulu Advertiser, Kim Kozuma.  I think the article came out in 2002 or 2003.

                          No familial mel, but at least the family is more vigilant about checking.

                      Viewing 8 reply threads
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