'Listen to Your Mother' and Protect Your Skin

Many have grown up in the sun without ever really thinking of the long-term, and at the time unknown, consequences from such exposure - namely skin cancer.

Ron Manilof, someone who grew up on the Long Island beaches, was diagnosed with skin cancer in his 30’s - a disease that has recurred multiple times over the following 30 years of his life.

Most recently, in October 2018, while recuperating from a skin graft that he had received only weeks earlier as treatment for yet another skin cancer, Ron realized his condition was more serious: Tumors had nearly covered the top of his head, had raised and were painful to the touch. Just one month later, he was diagnosed with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Ron found hope in learning that less invasive treatment options were available to him and now wants people like him, who have experienced multiple skin cancers, to investigate all forms of treatment available because there may be alternatives.

His biggest piece of advice for others: Listen to your mother about skin cancer prevention!