Do you take steps to prevent skin cancer?

[odanny]

Just wondering if there are any skin cancer folks on this forum, and if any of you get checked regularly. In the past 12 months I have been treated for 2 of the 3 skin cancers, namely squamous and basal cell, thankfully avoiding the deadlier melanoma, which killed Jimmy Buffet and millions of others.

I've always been in the sun, even after my first round of basal cell, but after the removal of the squamous cell, I'm not taking my chances any longer. If you are exposed to sun it's best to see a dermatologist and have them check you for this, also remember these skin cancers can be found in areas of your body never exposed to the sun.

I chose the first answer but that will no longer be true moving forward.

 

[Dogmaphobe]

I have skin cancer and have had several Mohs surgeries.

I have very fair skin, grew up in California and have always spent a lot of time outside.

 

[80zephyr]

I have a genetic condition that raises my risk of numerous cancers. I get checked every year.

 

[1srelluc]

A lot of former trades people my age are always having skin cancers cut off. The ones that served in Vietnam in particular.

I was in uniform much of my working life and I never did care for the sun beating down upon me nor bugs chewing on me in the hot months so I guess I protected myself out of default.

 

[SweetSue92]

Just wondering if there are any skin cancer folks on this forum, and if any of you get checked regularly. In the past 12 months I have been treated for 2 of the 3 skin cancers, namely squamous and basal cell, thankfully avoiding the deadlier melanoma, which killed Jimmy Buffet and millions of others.

I've always been in the sun, even after my first round of basal cell, but after the removal of the squamous cell, I'm not taking my chances any longer. If you are exposed to sun it's best to see a dermatologist and have them check you for this, also remember these skin cancers can be found in areas of your body never exposed to the sun.

I chose the first answer but that will no longer be true moving forward.

I live very near the 45th parallel, and in a cold state, so I hardly get any sun for months and months of the year. I'm very good about "sunny" events--a day outside, at the lake or beach, etc. Not so good about wearing daily sunscreen on my FACE. Luckily bc of where I live, I'm not a "prune-y" as some women my age, though.

 

[odanny]

My basal cell were two, small black moles, and I don't have those types of moles, both were cancerous. Back of right shoulder. The squamous was red and looked a little like a blister. It was in the same exact location as the basal cell. It was far less onerous than the basal and was removed with no surgery required, the shave biopsy got it. The basal required a bunch of stitches and it was uncomfortable for a few months after their removal.

Be especially vigilant for Melanoma.

 

[Harry Dresden]

spent 33 years working in the S.Cal sun.....but i get fairly dark in the summer time so i had no problems....