One of the best parts of summer is enjoying the outdoors. However, as we all know, there are risks to being in the sun. On CST’s new radio program, Let’s Talk About This, I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Sandeep Saluja, a dermatologist with Hudson Dermatology. There was so much information about how to protect our skin that we will share it over the next two weeks. Part one reviews many tips for staying safe when outside. Next week in part two, we will discuss skin cancer and how to do self-exams.

As Executive Director of Cancer Support Team, I meet people in different types of jobs who live all over the country. One thing we have in common is that we all know someone who has had cancer. And that's because it’s estimated that 40% of all Americans will be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. These days, cancer is much more treatable, and the survival rates are definitely increasing, but the experience of having cancer is still very challenging. For those who have been down this road or have helped someone go through the experience, I often hear, how can I help? Recently during CST’s radio program “Let’s Talk About This” I had the chance to speak to Tony Sibio, national board member of a wonderful organization called Swim Across America. They offer a great way each one of us can help.

With me is Melissa Darbandi, Manager of Patient and Community Outreach with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Blood cancers account for about 10% of all the new cancers that are diagnosed each year, approximately every 3 minutes, one person in the US is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. Those are the three main types of blood cancers.