Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, it’s not surprising that skin cancer is the most common cancer of all.
Although melanoma is certainly not the most common type of skin cancer, it’s easily the most deadly. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it accounts for only about four percent of skin cancer cases, but nearly 80 percent of skin cancer deaths.
It’s also the sixth most common cancer in men, and the seventh most common in women, but is very uncommon, and until recently almost unheard of, in children.
It’s perhaps this fact that surprised Alexa Atkins, 11, and her family the most, when they learned Alexa had melanoma as a fourth-grader over three years ago.
‘It just doesn’t happen in children that young,? said Alexa’s mother Nina, a cancer survivor herself.
When they went in for a routine physical, Alexa asked her doctor about a mole. Since that day, Alexa said she’s seen ‘too many doctors to count.?
Skin samples were sent to Harvard to confirm the rare finding of melanoma in such a young patient, and Alexa also visited the Melanoma Clinic at the University of Michigan.
Cancer is not something new to the Atkins family, but this particular case had the attention of many—including her doctors.
Alexa has lost 35 members of her family to cancer, including a 48-year-old cousin to melanoma two years ago.
In the past three years, Alexa, who recently completed sixth-grade at Oakview, has had 14 surgeries.
‘All of the doctors we’ve dealt with have been just great,? Nina said.
This past March, Alexa celebrated her third year as a cancer survivor. But the battle took its toll on her, especially in school, where her notes became increasingly more depressed.
‘I wrote that the only safe place is heaven,? she recalled.
Both Alexa and her mother said the staff at Orion Oaks Elementary, where Alexa attended when she was first diagnosed, were extremely understanding.
‘They worked with her, and had a lot of patience,? Nina said.
Now, Alexa is back on the Honor Roll at Oakview, where she particularly enjoys classes in art, language arts and social studies.
She’s torn between a career in news reporting or dermatology, but enjoys dancing.in the meantime. She has also joined the ACS.
In 2005, one of Alexa’s teachers suggested that she walk in the survivors walk at the ACS? Relay for Life.
That experience introduced her to Teri Donaldson, chairperson for the Lake Orion relay.
‘She’s the most mature and inspirational sixth-grader I’ve ever met in my life,? Donaldson. ‘She has become very proactive.?
Donaldson added that Alexa now serves on the Relay for Life committee. ‘She offers great suggestions,? she said.
In addition to speaking at the Lake Orion relay when it was held at Waldon Middle School in May, Alexa has also spoken at multiple United Auto Workers meetings, convincing those groups to become corporate sponsors of the relay.
She’ll be attending the ACS Conference in Los Angeles in Aug., where she’ll speak to groups and attend workshops.
Alexa believes that she can make a difference, and judging by the tearful crowd at the May 20 relay, she’s right.
‘I have learned about melanoma and I’m helping others by educating them about the warning signs of skin cancer,? she told relay participants.
The average age for those diagnosed with melanoma is around 40. Alexa is one of a very select group on record having been diagnosed before the age of 10.
‘I am truly one in a million!? she said in her speech.
‘We’re making our own statistics,? added Nina.
Alexa said giving speeches has helped to make her stronger. There’s no doubt her speeches have had a similar effect on those that have heard them.
‘She is an inspiration to all cancer survivors,? Donaldson said.
Alexa even had a chance to meet and discuss the importance of health care with US Senator John Kerry before the 2004 presidential election.
The family’s insurance has been covered by General Motors, where Alexa’s dad, Brad, works. The Atkins say they’re truly grateful for that fact, along with the other support they’ve had over the past few years.
‘We’ve gone through all of this and have never seen a bill,? Nina said.