Ashley L. doesn’t consider herself to be a survivor.

Brandy was my oldest daughter who battled Leukemia at age 13, had a bone marrow transplant at age 14, and passed away at the age of 37 from a brain tumor.

The statistics are sobering. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates the risk of developing life-threatening melanoma increases 75% from just one indoor tanning session before the age of 35. Indoor tanning can also lead to non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and cataracts and cancers of the eye.

But aside from the statistics, the emotional and personal consequences of indoor tanning can be downright scary.

My name is Sharon Nagel. I am a survivor of two different cancers.

By Kristen Hackbarth, Communications Director

Have you ever had someone tell you they had a little something removed from their skin saying, “It’s no big deal, just a little skin cancer,” and continue on as if it’s really no big deal? It was a little shocking the first time I’d heard it from someone. After all, it’s cancer and skin is the largest organ of the body. That seems pretty serious.

In fact, it is.  

By Christine Thompson, NCC Cancer Prevention Programs Manager

There’s a lot to be said for following your gut instinct, especially when it comes to your health. 

Last month NCC launched ThriveNV.org, our companion site that focuses on caring, connection, and collaboration for Nevadans in need of cancer support and resources. It’s designed with survivors, thrivers, and caregivers in mind, but it’s for any Nevadan who’s looking to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

ThriveNV.org combines a number of great resources all in one place.

I thought of cancer as a dark cloud over me, so I was determined to find the silver lining in it. I wanted to believe something beneficial could come out of my journey. I might gain personal insights or be strengthened in some way. I wasn’t sure, of course, but I was willing to look for some ray of light in the midst of dark skies. I don’t mean hoping to open the front door to movie cameras, balloons, and a giant check from Publishers’ Clearing House! I thought I’d start by looking around for positive things which may have escaped my notice.

Fighting Against Historic Targeting of Minorities by Big Tobacco

Submitted by Mauricia Feaster
University of Nevada, Reno Student Intern for Smoke Free Truckee Meadows

It was a regular morning in April 2016.  I woke up and was getting ready for the day when my hand unexplainably went to my left breast.  I had very dense breast tissue, so I was accustomed to the random lumps, but this lump felt oddly different.