Truck Melanoma is gearing up for a packed summer of high-impact outreach, and we need your help.Whether you're a medical assistant, med student, dermatology provider, or just passionate about early detection and sun safety, this is your chance to get involved in a way that directly saves lives—right where awareness is needed most.
If you've been following our work, you already know we're not your typical skin cancer awareness campaign. We go where others won’t--under the hood, on the trail, at full throttle. This summer is no different.

👇 Upcoming Volunteer Events🔧 July 19–20 – Lucky Dog Racing League “Salute to the Dogs”📍 Portland International Raceway
This one hits close to home. One of the racing teams has a member currently battling metastatic melanoma. We'll be trackside offering sun protection education, handing out SPF samples, and encouraging early detection through skin checks and awareness conversations.
☕ August 2, 9:00–11:00am – Rigs and Coffee @ Iron Rigs📍 Beaverton, OR
A low-key, high-sun event with the off-road and overlanding crowd. This is an ideal space to have real conversations with folks who spend long hours outside and don’t often hear about skin cancer prevention.
🧼 August 16, 10:00am–4:00pm – PDX Adult Soap Box Derby📍 Mt. Tabor Park, Portland
A family-friendly, Portland favorite with a diverse audience. This is an all-day opportunity for meaningful outreach in a fun, accessible environment.
🏁 Tentative: August 29–30 – NASCAR Xfinity Series📍 Portland International Raceway
Pending confirmation, this would be one of our largest events of the year. High visibility. Huge turnout. Major opportunity to make an impact.

🧴 What Volunteers Do:

• Talk with the public about sun safety, melanoma risk, and early detection
  
• Distribute free sunscreen and educational materials
  
• Assist with skin checks and clinical guidance (as appropriate to training)
  
• Represent the heart of Truck Melanoma--no fluff, just facts, fuel, and forward motion
  

🚨 Why It MattersEvery summer, we meet people who’ve never heard that melanoma can be deadly—or that it can be caught early. We’ve identified multiple suspected skin cancers during these outreach events and connected individuals to care they wouldn’t have sought otherwise.
Sometimes, a free SPF sample and a 60-second conversation is what it takes to save a life.

💥 Want to Help?If you're available for any of these dates—or just want more info--contact us here or send a DM on Instagram @truckmelanomaofficial. We’d love to have you on the crew, even if it's just for a few hours.
Can’t make it but still want to support?
Your donation helps us keep showing up and handing out protection where it counts:
👉 https://www.truckmelanoma.org/donate-now.html
Thanks for being part of the movement. Let’s protect some trucking skin this summer.
--
Ryan Kiernan
Founder & Director, Truck Melanoma
www.truckmelanoma.org

Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, can be overwhelming to navigate — emotionally, physically, and financially. For individuals diagnosed with melanoma, timely treatment and access to support resources can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the various ways patients and their families can seek help with melanoma treatment.

1. Understanding Melanoma and Its TreatmentMelanoma occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) become cancerous. Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma and may include:

• Surgical excision
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Knowing the stage of melanoma is essential. Early-stage melanoma often only requires surgery, while advanced cases may need a combination of therapies.
Reference: American Cancer Society. (2024). Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer

2. Finding a Melanoma SpecialistSeeking care from a dermatologist or oncologist with experience in melanoma is critical. Patients can:

• Ask for referrals from a primary care doctor
• Use hospital and clinic directories
• Check the American Academy of Dermatology’s Find a Dermatologist tool

Academic medical centers and cancer institutes often have dedicated melanoma programs.

3. Accessing Financial AssistanceThe cost of melanoma treatment can be significant. However, there are several financial aid resources available:

A. Government Programs

• Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage based on age, disability, or income.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace offers subsidized health insurance.

B. Nonprofit Organizations

• The Patient Advocate Foundation helps with co-pay assistance and insurance appeals.
• CancerCare offers financial support for transportation, medication, and more.
• Melanoma Research Foundation provides resources for patients and survivors.

Reference: National Cancer Institute. (2024). Financial Assistance and Resources

4. Joining Clinical Trials. Clinical trials give patients access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. To find trials:

• Visit ClinicalTrials.gov
• Use resources from the Melanoma Research Alliance
• Ask your oncologist about available studies

Participation may include free or reduced-cost treatment. Clinical trials are especially important for patients with advanced melanoma.

5. Support for Travel and Lodging for patients who live far from treatment centers, travel and lodging can be barriers. Some organizations offer support:

• American Cancer Society Hope Lodge: Free lodging near major cancer centers
• Ronald McDonald House: Support for families with child patients
• Air Charity Network: Free flights to treatment centers for qualifying patients

6. Emotional and Psychological SupportThe emotional toll of cancer can be heavy. Consider:

• Cancer support groups (in-person and virtual)
• Oncology social workers who offer counseling and resource navigation
• Mental health therapy with professionals who specialize in cancer care

Supportive services improve coping skills, emotional health, and treatment adherence.
Reference: American Psychosocial Oncology Society. Getting Help

7. Getting Help for Children and Families If a parent is diagnosed, family support becomes essential:

• Look for organizations that provide child counseling and caregiver support
• Seek temporary caregiving assistance from local nonprofits

Examples:

• Team Truck Melanoma

8. Resources for Underserved Communities, Undocumented individuals, uninsured patients, and those in rural areas can find support through:

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• State cancer programs
• Community health advocates
• Telehealth services for remote access

9. Helplines and Online Resources; Here are essential resources to contact:

• American Cancer Society Helpline: 1-800-227-2345
• Melanoma Research Foundation: www.melanoma.org
• National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service: 1-800-422-6237

These helplines offer assistance in multiple languages.


Receiving a melanoma diagnosis can feel isolating, but support is available in many forms — from financial assistance to emotional care. Patients and families are encouraged to reach out, stay informed, and ask for help. No one should go through melanoma treatment alone.

Sources & References:

• American Cancer Society. Melanoma Treatment
• National Cancer Institute. Managing Cancer Care
• Melanoma Research Foundation. Patient Resources
• CancerCare. Financial Assistance
• ClinicalTrials.gov
• American Psychosocial Oncology Society

If you or someone you know needs help with melanoma treatment, start with these resources — help is out there, and no one has to face melanoma alone.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable. By adopting proactive habits and understanding risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing this disease. Prevention not only involves minimizing sun exposure but also includes lifestyle adjustments and regular skin monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Melanoma prevention starts with sun safety and skin awareness.
• Consistent use of sunscreen is crucial.
• Regular skin self-exams and dermatological check-ups aid in early detection.

1. Protect Your Skin from UV RadiationUltraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause of melanoma. Protecting your skin from UV rays is the cornerstone of melanoma prevention.

Tips for Sun Safety:

• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation.

Why Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen?

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays age the skin and contribute to wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in skin cancer development.

2. Perform Regular Skin Self-ExamsEarly detection is a major part of prevention. Checking your skin monthly can help you spot changes early.

How to Conduct a Skin Self-Exam:

• Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror.
• Examine all areas, including hard-to-see places like the back, scalp, soles, and under nails.
• Look for new moles or changes in existing ones.
• Use the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).

Keep a record of your moles to track any changes over time. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist.

3. Understand and Manage Risk FactorsCertain individuals are at higher risk for melanoma. Knowing your risk can help you take extra precautions.

Common Risk Factors:

• Fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes
• A history of sunburns, especially blistering ones
• Having many moles or atypical moles
• A family history of melanoma
• A weakened immune system

Genetics and MelanomaSome people inherit genetic mutations that increase melanoma risk. If you have a strong family history, genetic counseling may be recommended.

4. Make Sun Safety a Family HabitTeaching sun protection from an early age creates lifelong habits. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to UV radiation damage.
Tips for Families:

• Apply sunscreen before school or outdoor play.
• Send kids with hats and sun-protective clothing.
• Encourage shade-seeking behaviors.
• Educate teens about the dangers of tanning beds.

5. Get Regular Dermatological ScreeningsEven if you perform self-exams, seeing a dermatologist regularly is key—especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
Frequency of Screenings:

• Annually for the general population
• More often for those with a personal or family history of skin cancer

Dermatologists use tools like dermatoscopes and total body photography to detect subtle changes in the skin.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet and Support Immune FunctionWhile diet alone won’t prevent melanoma, some evidence suggests that a healthy immune system can help detect and destroy abnormal cells.

Foods That May Help:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish)
• Green tea (may offer protective compounds)

Conclusion: Melanoma prevention is within your control.

By combining smart sun habits, regular skin checks, and an understanding of your personal risk, you can significantly lower your chances of developing this dangerous cancer.

​Empower yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge and habits that protect your skin for life.

References

1. Skin Cancer Foundation. "Prevention Guidelines." https://www.skincancer.org
2. American Cancer Society. "Can Melanoma Skin Cancer Be Prevented?" https://www.cancer.org
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Sun Safety." https://www.cdc.gov
4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. "How to perform a skin self-exam." https://www.aad.org

​Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma is significantly more dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Early detection is crucial, and understanding the symptoms is the first step toward timely diagnosis and treatment.
Key Takeaways

• Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas not exposed to the sun.
• The ABCDE rule is a widely recognized guideline for identifying suspicious moles.
• New or changing skin lesions should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Common Symptoms of Melanoma1. Changes in an Existing MoleOne of the most common early signs of melanoma is a noticeable change in a pre-existing mole. This includes changes in:

• Color: Multiple shades or uneven coloring.
  
• Size: An increase in diameter, especially larger than 6mm.
  
• Shape: Irregular, asymmetrical borders.
  
• Texture: Becoming scaly, rough, or crusty.
  
• Sensation: Itching, tenderness, or pain.
  

2. Appearance of a New Pigmented or Unusual-Looking GrowthMelanoma can also begin as a new spot on the skin that doesn’t look like your other moles or freckles. These growths are often dark in color but can also be skin-colored, red, pink, purple, blue, or white.
3. ABCDE Rule for Recognizing MelanomaThe ABCDE rule helps people recognize potential melanomas:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
  
• B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
  
• C – Color: Uneven color with different shades.
  
• D – Diameter: Greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
  
• E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as bleeding or itching.
  

4. Unusual Skin SensationsWhile early melanoma might not cause pain, as it progresses, the lesion may become tender, itchy, or even painful. Any lesion that bleeds or doesn’t heal should be evaluated.
5. Melanoma on Unusual AreasAlthough melanoma most often appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun (such as the back, legs, arms, and face), it can also occur in less obvious locations, including:

• Under the nails (subungual melanoma)
  
• On the palms or soles
  
• Inside the mouth or nose
  
• On the genitals or mucous membranes
  

Different Types of Melanoma and Their SymptomsSuperficial Spreading Melanoma

• Most common type
  
• Tends to spread out across the skin surface before going deeper
  
• Often starts as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch
  

Nodular Melanoma

• More aggressive and grows faster
  
• Appears as a raised bump, often black, blue, or red
  
• May bleed or ooze
  

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

• Typically affects older adults
  
• Appears on sun-damaged skin, especially the face
  
• Flat, tan, or brown patch that slowly enlarges
  

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

• Rarer and not related to sun exposure
  
• More common in people with darker skin
  
• Occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails
  

When to See a DoctorIf you notice any of the above symptoms or skin changes, it’s important to see a dermatologist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular skin self-exams and annual dermatology visits are essential, especially for individuals with risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Melanoma: Signs and symptoms." https://www.aad.org
   
2. Skin Cancer Foundation. "Warning Signs of Melanoma." https://www.skincancer.org
   
3. Mayo Clinic. "Melanoma - Symptoms and causes." https://www.mayoclinic.org
   
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?" https://www.cdc.gov