Panama Jack Supports the Melanoma Research Foundation this Giving Tuesday
In the spirit of the holidays, Giving Tuesday was established back in 2012 to encourage radical generosity. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this day has turned into a global movement with people and organizations around the world demonstrating the power of giving.
This Giving Tuesday, Panama Jack is honored to support the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). From Friday, November 26th to Tuesday, November 30th, we’re donating 5% of the proceeds from every product purchased on panamajack.com directly to the MRF.
THE MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION & PANAMA JACK
The Melanoma Research Foundation is a non-profit organization on a mission to find effective treatments for melanoma and eventually eradicate it altogether. Through advocacy and medical research, the MRF improves the lives of patients and survivors while educating the population about melanoma and how it can be prevented.As an MRF Passionate Partner, we work to support the foundation’s mission in a variety of ways, such as spreading awareness and sponsoring MRF events. And for Giving Tuesday, we’re proud to be donating a portion of all Black Friday Sale proceeds through Giving Tuesday (11/26 - 11/30).
WHAT IS MELANOMA?
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, forms in skin cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin and are responsible for skin moles (though not all moles are melanoma).There are various types of melanoma, some of which cannot be seen on the skin’s surface, and genetics and family history often play a role. However, the sun’s UV rays are the most common cause of melanoma. Whether from tanning out in the sun or in a tanning bed, 90% of cutaneous melanoma, the most common form, is a result of UV exposure.
HOW TO DETECT MELANOMA
Many melanomas can be treated when detected early, so make sure to visit your dermatologist as soon as you see any of these signs:
- A new spot on your skin, or a change in color, size, or shape of an existing spot
- A mole or other spot on your skin that is painful and doesn’t heal
- A mole, sore or other spot that looks waxy, shiny, smooth, or pale
- A spot that is rough, dry, or scaly and red
- A lump that is firm, red, and crusty
- A mole that is itchy or bleeds
This is not an exhaustive list, and melanomas may show up differently on everyone. So it’s always a good idea to get regular skin screenings from a dermatologist.
HOW TO PREVENT MELANOMA
The best way to defeat skin cancer is to protect yourself from it in the first place. Make sure to follow these tips to keep you and your skin safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Apply sunscreen every day. Inside or outside, rain or shine, you should always be wearing sunscreen. Despite common misconceptions, clouds and home windows cannot fully protect you from the sun’s UV rays.
Stay in the shade, especially during peak hours. The best way to avoid sun damage is to avoid the sun completely. If that’s not possible, make sure you’re shaded from the sun between approximately 10 am and 2 pm.
Wear sun-protective clothing on top of your sunscreen for those times when you cannot avoid the sun. UPF-rated clothing is always the best idea, but any long sleeve shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats will always offer more protection than sunscreen alone.
For more melanoma education materials or to learn more about the MRF, visit their website today.