Hi BarryMc,

It's hard the first time you go on holiday after a skin cancer diagnosis but it does get easier. You are doing the right things - Factor 30 or higher that is reapplied every few hours, a hat with a rim (not a baseball cap as it doesn't protect the ears where many men suffer a bcc) and sunglasses (sun damage can cause ocular melanoma). Wear appropriate clothing & seek shade where possible, especially at the hottest time of the day (11-3).

Don't panic if you should suffer from another bcc at some point in the future - once you've had a bcc there is a good chance you will get another. This is because skin cancer is usually caused years before it actually appears on the skin. Sun safety now will prevent skin cancer in advanced years.

Enjoy your holidays,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi thanks Angie for your reply.

can u still go in the sun with not top on etc as long as you have factor 30 on?

 Barry 

Hello BarryMc,

                         it appears that you are wanting someone to say,fine its all good to go and expose yourself to the sun,So l say go ahead, why not?, fill your boots, Brown your Berry.

                                                                                                                 l would also say that having had skin cancer,Prudence (not your friendly agony aunt) would tell you that you pre-dispose to this condition,covering up and taking precautions to avoid over excessive sun exposure, whilst taking Vitamin D supplements would be a wise move.

                                                         Every action has consequences even for the most hardened sun worshippers amongst us,so the choice is yours,and l am pleased to hear you dodged the last bullet,

                                                         David

I endorse Gruntifen's advice. Sun screen is the last line of defence - the first being to stay out of the sun at it's hottest time, seek shade, wear appropriate clothing. Bare chested is not advised, even bare shoulders as the chest & shoulder catch the sun first. A short or long sleeved T shirt or shirt are the best - if swimming wear a T shirt or even a UV rash vest as the water magnifies the UV rays. 

See this as a wake up call to keep yourself safe from future skin cancer - this time it was a BCC which is treatable and non invasive - melanoma is the complete opposite & men are more prone to get one of these on their torso from going topless in the sun! 

Angie