Grey's Anatomy

I have always been a Grey's Anatomy fan. In case you are confused, it is a TV show with very attractive surgeons who have serious drama and relationship issues set inside a hospital. Not exactly an original premise, but entertaining nonetheless. One of the main characters was recently diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma with tumors in her liver, lungs, and brain. I know in my head that Katherine Heigl (the inflicted actress) wants off the show, however my heart still hurts for her character.

I know this storyline will lead to the character's death, and I'd be lying to say there wasn't a part of me that is oddly releived. Many people assume that skin cancer is the BEST type of cancer to get. Although melanoma often originates in the dermis as a skin cancer, once it travels to the organs it is no longer considered that. I have even heard and believed, "If you are going to get cancer, skin is the lessor of the evils." I am slightly relieved her stage is terminal, because people have all of these skin cancer misconceptions, and the only way to get the word out is to have it on a media source that is widely utilized in almost every home. I am thankful the writers/producers of the show are bringing awareness to the public and making the disease so severe that people comprehend it can't be cured... even for a doctor on TV.

It is NOT just skin cancer! Protect yourself... wear sunscreen.