What Melanoma Taught Me

And Why Melanoma Awareness Month Matters More Than Ever 

By Meghan Rothschild

May is Melanoma Awareness Month — and for me, it’s deeply personal. At 20 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Melanoma. I was a college student obsessed with having the perfect tan. Tanning beds were part of my routine, and I believed I looked healthier with a little “color.” Cancer wasn’t even on my radar, and why would it be at 19?

Then a mole on my stomach changed everything. What I thought was harmless turned out to be the deadliest form of skin cancer. That diagnosis not only left a physical scar — it completely transformed the way I see myself, my health, and the myths that I had once believed were fact.

The Myths I Believed

“You only need sunscreen in the summer.” 
Wrong. UV rays don’t take a vacation. I wear SPF year-round now — even on cloudy days, even in the winter.

“A base tan protects you.” 
False. A tan is a sign of skin damage. There’s no such thing as a healthy tan.

“Skin cancer only happens to older people.”
I was 20 at the time of my diagnosis and learned that Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults.

“Tanning beds are safer than the sun.” 
Absolutely not. Tanning beds increase your risk of melanoma by up to 75% if you start before the age of 35.

These myths almost cost me my life. That’s why I now speak up, especially during May,
to help others unlearn these dangerous misconceptions.

What I Do Now to Protect My Skin

These days, sun protection is non-negotiable for me.
● I get a full-body skin check every 6 months.
● I wear broad-spectrum SPF daily (even when I’m inside).
● I avoid peak sun hours when I can.
● Wear sun-protective hats and sunglasses.

The TiZO Products I Swear By

When it comes to skincare, I’ve become extremely picky. I want products that are gentle,
effective, and mineral-based. That’s why I’m obsessed with TiZO. Their sunscreens are
my go-to, especially for someone like me with sun damage and sensitive skin.

Here’s what I never leave home without:
TiZO AM Replenish SPF 40 – This is my everyday moisturizer and SPF in
one. Lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with antioxidants.

TiZO Eye Renewal SPF 20 – A game-changer! We often forget about the
sensitive skin around our eyes, but that area needs protection, too.

TiZO Lip Protection SPF 45 – Don’t forget your lips! This one’s smooth,
tinted, and protective.

Mineral sunscreens like TiZO don’t use harsh chemicals, which gives me peace of mind.
And they actually feel good on the skin — no chalky residue.

How to Support Someone With Melanoma

If you know someone battling melanoma or navigating the aftermath of a diagnosis, here’s how you can show up:

● Listen without minimizing. It’s not “just skin cancer.” It can be life-threatening.
● Check in. Healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too.
● Normalize sun protection. Make it easy for them to say “no” to beach days
during peak hours or to wear extra layers.
● Get your own skin checked. That simple action sends a powerful message: “Your experience changed the way I think."

Melanoma Awareness Month is a time to reflect, educate, and protect. I share my story not because it’s easy — but because it might save someone else from going through what I did. Skin cancer is often preventable, and early detection does save lives.

Your skin is beautiful exactly as it is — it doesn’t need to be bronzed or burned to be worthy.

So this May, and every month after:
Book that derm appointment. Choose shade over sun. And wear your SPF like your life depends on it — because it might.

With love and sun-safe wishes.
Meghan