Wednesday, August 24, 2005

"It looked like a pimple."

There is an interesting interview in the Montana Standard with melanoma survivor, Janice Copeland.

Excerpts:


"It looked like a pimple," said Copeland, who became concerned when it didn't go away. "It kept getting bigger. It itched and it would bleed," she recalled.

That was a little over two years ago and Copeland, 60, said that her experience with cancer has changed her life.

"You look at each day differently. You re-evaluate your priorities about your family and work and you try not to take some things so seriously or get upset. You just try to have a good attitude and be thankful for every day," she said.

Copeland said that she also has been inspired to help get the word out to others about the dangers of sun exposure and the risks of skin cancer.

"I think there needs to be more awareness. I think in general, people don't realize how dangerous melanoma is and that it can spread to other organs. I certainly didn't," said Copeland. "I'm more aware of it now," she added.

Copeland said that after her own frightening experience, she wants people to know the dangers of sun exposure. She also wants parents to know that they need to protect their children.

"Parents need to keep them out of the sun and minimize their exposure and avoid sunburns," she said. "I spent a lot of time in the sun, there's not doubt about that, she said.

Copeland said her experience with cancer prompted her to become involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Butte.

"I've found it inspirational to be around other cancer survivors," said Copeland, who talked about the benefits of being in a mutually supportive atmosphere. "You know you're not alone in the fight against cancer and that other people are having to deal with some of the same issues that you're having to deal with," she said.


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