Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/396235
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T B U S C H M A N Get your colonoscopy! PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER Remember the letters ABCD to help recognize changes in existing moles: ASYMMETRY BORDER COLOR DIAMETER Feature M E L A N O M A , the deadliest form of skin cancer, is rising among all ages and groups. To protect yourself: Wear sunscreen. Go to your doctor if you notice any moles or changes in the size or shape of existing moles. In 2001, LIZ WILBERG had severe stomach pain. A large tumor blocking her colon turned out to be the culprit, and it was malignant. At the time she was 39, and colonoscopies are recommended at the age of 50. The special education math and social studies teacher at Alta Loma Middle School in South San Francisco was also a participant in the California Teachers Study before her diagnosis. Wilberg had surgery to remove the tumor and her lymph nodes. She underwent a series of chemo treatments and wanted to keep teaching, but worried about compromis- ing her immune system and went on leave. Her husband and mother provided a strong support system. "Breast cancer runs in my family, not colon cancer," muses Wilberg, SSFTA, who decided to participate in the study to help others. Now cancer-free, she encourages everybody to get their colonoscopy at 50. "It may be awkward and uncomfortable, but it's nothing compared to having to go through chemo." Her advice for others living with cancer? "Bring someone with you to the doctor when you ask questions. Sometimes it's hard to take it all in. My husband remembered a lot more of what the doctor said than I did." her door. After her recovery, supporters took her on what they dubbed the "Kristi Kruise" to Mexico. Yee is now cancer-free and has changed her life- style. She started running and lost weight. She is more relaxed, because she thinks that stress contributes to the high rate of teacher cancer. She was featured on the ABC/Disney/Live Well Network show "Motion," sharing how a healthier outdoor lifestyle led to recovery. "I used to sweat the small stuff," confides Yee, South San Francisco Teachers Association (SSFTA). "But this illness brought me great gifts, by teaching me to appre- ciate each day and moment. Here I am, alive, surviving and thriving. I am ecstatic to be counted as one of the 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States." On the following pages, other CTA members who are cancer survivors share their stories. Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing to shield yourself from the sun. + + A B C D Surviving Cancer 10 www.cta.org