Huling family shares son's melanoma battle to raise awareness
Updated
Updated · FOX 13 News Utah · May 5
Huling family shares son's melanoma battle to raise awareness
7 articles · Updated · FOX 13 News Utah · May 5
In West Jordan, Utah, 15-year-old Jasper Huling was diagnosed about a month ago with Stage 3 melanoma after a bleeding shin mole was found to have spread to his lymph nodes.
He now receives treatment three times a week after surgery left a 14-staple incision, while his family distributes pins, bracelets and buttons urging teens to use sunscreen and check changing skin.
Doctors say Utah has the nation's highest skin cancer rate, linked to elevation, outdoor lifestyles and lighter skin populations; the family also faces treatment costs after Jasper's father lost his job and insurance.
In the state with America's highest skin cancer rate, why are teens still getting this preventable and deadly disease?
A teen's cancer diagnosis became a financial crisis after insurance loss. How can families survive both battles at once?
Could genetic testing and UV cameras in schools be the key to preventing youth melanoma in high-risk states?