DEAR ABBY: About five years ago you printed a letter from a woman whose husband had just died from melanoma. She urged everyone to have their moles examined by a doctor.
Although I was only 20 years old and did not fit the normal age range for people with skin cancer, I decided to go to the doctor. Well, Abby, I DID have melanoma -- usually the only form of skin cancer that can cause death. Luckily, I was able to have it removed surgically, and now I am fine.
Please continue to urge your readers to wear sunscreen and to have their moles examined. I would like to thank the wife who took the time to write to you about her tragedy, and to thank both of you for saving my life. -- THANKFUL IN LONG BEACH, CALIF.
DEAR THANKFUL: I'm pleased your story has a happy ending. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to remind my sun-worshipping readers to have this kind of checkup done annually.
Any suspicious lump, sore or ulcer on the skin should be reported to your physician if it persists for more than a week. It's also important to be examined by a physician if there is any change in the size, shape or texture of a mole, or if half of it appears "different" from the other half.