Let's Discuss...sun safety after cancer

I have never used sunscreen before. Never had to. Was fortunate that I don't burn, just turn a nice shade of brown. Now that I've had radiation I will take steps to protect the area, using sunscreen.

Does anyone have any experience to share about how you skin reacted to being exposed to the sun after having radiation?

Runner Girl

I avoid the sun as much as possible. When I am out in the sun I wear omni shield clothing from Columbia and a big brimmed hat with SPF 60 protection. Everyone thinks I would be hot but I find it cooler than being exposed to the sun.

I always listened to my mom and wore a hat in the sun to keep it off my face as much as possible. I still do. Some might say I am pretty shady because I dont like being in the sun for too long, but if I am I wear sunscreen.

Roy

We had always been a bit cautious about the sun before the first time my wife was found to have breast cancer and went through all the treatment programs, and then I had a non-malignant skin blemish the next year. We just decided to be very careful going forward. We tend to not avoid the sun, but we cover up, use sunscreen, and generally manage exposure.

I was diagnosed with melanoma 4 months ago. I have just received my sentinel lymph node biospy results and it's all clear (very good news). I had always kept out of the sun as I burn very easily but since my cancer diagnosis I take even more precautions. I try to stay inside between 11 and 3 so gardening is done first thing in the morning or late afternoon. I always put on sunscreen even if I'm going to be sitting in the shade. And my hat is always on my head (but I always liked wearing hats!)

I've always been very sun smart (was a lifeguard) so my sun safety routines haven't changed, other than applying a spray sunscreen to my head, while my hair is growing back in. SPF 30 or higher if I plan to be out in the sun.

@Lacey_Moderator Hello…..my original response; also lost in space….???

I am a firm believer in sunscreen….minimum #30, for face….and re apply often…..Sun Hat too is a must…..I also turn red….fast…… I think I have sensitive skin, both before cancer, and even after……So many amazing products out there…..I find the tinted sunscreens the best…..I call it “Free Foundation” !

Slather Up !

Regards

Whitelilies

Noone has ever said to me that you are more susceptable to sunrays after radiation?? Is this tru?? I had always used a strong spf sunscreen prior to cancer and will continue to….

I must admit I am not a regular sunscreen user except when going to a beach. But now with the long scar down my chest I know I need to cream up to protect it and the rest of me. I use a 45SPF now.

After my melanoma diagnosis in January, and all clear sentinel biopsy results, I am extra cautious in the sun. Staying out of the sun mid-day and regular sunscreen use every time I go out along with a lovely wide brim hat. First check up was good so fingers crossed going forward.

My understanding is that the area that was radiated is more sensitive to the sun. Is that correct? If that is correct, my bathing suit or clothes cover the area that I had radiated. I use sunscreen 30 when I am out in the sun for running, hiking, beach time. A hat too. Being older, my bathing suit covers more than what the teenagers wear so the more sensitive skin is covered.

I read the brochures from the Cancer Centre and follow the recommendations. I wear a higher SPF and am in Chemotherapy Treatment. Skin is more sensitive to sun, and I still enjoy the warmth and the meditative time spent laying in the sun.

I am fortunate, I live on the 18th floor and maintain a pretty good breeze that flows through my apartment. With the upcoming heat wave, I will be using the air conditioner. Through even +30 degrees, due to the lovely breeze, I never really need it. I have a feeling I will next week. My niece has asked me to look after her cat, and I have invited her as well, as her apartment is not able to cool down easily.🌞

our eyesite needs even more protection than our skin because its a direct link to our brain ! jeffrey

I usually go out for 15 minutes without sunscreen to get some Vitamin D….this was at the suggestion of our cancer clinic. After that I put on SPF 30, wear a hat and stay inside during peak hours when I can.

I’ve always used sunscreen and taken care to cover up, wear a hat etc. I have fair skin with lots of moles, and I have blue eyes so I’m careful to always wear sunglasses when I go outside.

What‘s changed since going through breast cancer treatment is that I’m more conscious of my moles. I developed a swath of new ones during chemo (which no one was interested in looking at), so I’m monitoring them myself.

Yes considerably changed. I am white from my mid thighs to my neck, my arms from mid bicep up, neck and head and feet from ankles down. I live in Mexico now so always wear a ball cap except when fishing or playing golf. Fishing is total face and neck coverage with good sunglasses. Nothing else exposed ! Golf is a wide brim hat, sunglasses, full arm sleeves and 50 SPF on my legs.

During and after my treatment (chemo and radiation) I was very sensitive to the sun. Walking outdoors for even just a minute or two would put colour in my cheeks. It was uncomfortable too; I could feel the burning.

Now the quick-burn phenomenon has subsided to some degree but I’m still uncomfortable in direct sunlight. It’s not a matter of applying lotion or wearing a hat. I just don’t enjoy it anymore and it feels unhealthy.

So I’ve had to curtail the outdoor activities I used to like so much: cycling, swimming and walking. No more lounging by the pool or vacations at the beach.

But I can deal with it. We all probably spend too much time on the sun anyway. It’s a sacrifice I can handle.

My radiation finished June 2, 2020 and call it chemo brain if you will but I don’t remember any negative reaction to the sun. I was told at the time to stay out of it as much as possible and to wear sunscreen. Recently in the news it was reported that sunscreens containing benzene were found to be cancer causing. I tried to find a list of sunscreens containing benzene but was unable to do so. If anyone knows about this and could post and tag me that would be awesome.

I wear La Roche Posy 60 SPF as I burn easily (and the dermatologist that I saw for my atopic dermatitis) recommended it. The most important thing to note of sunscreen is applying it and allowing for absorption before you go outside, reapplying as indicated. I wear a hat as well with sunglasses. The radiation technologist told me that I need to protect the areas that have been radiated from the sun as they may burn easily. So far so good.

I have always burned easy and could not stay in the sun to long. I find since chemo and radiation that the sun feels even stronger and my skin feels like it's burning quicker. I wear sunscreen and mostly sit under my gazebo when outside. I also cannot go without my sunglasses at all! I find my eyes are more sensitive.

sun safety is a major issue for me since I've had melanoma three times with the last treatment (immunotherapy) being the only successful one. I am a sun worshipper from way back, lying there for eight hours slathered in baby oil with no sunscreen. I was addicted and spent hours and hours soaking up lethal rays. I now avoid the sun, use heavy duty sunscreen and am pale but healthy.

Sgt. Pepper

As recommended by my dermatologist, I use LeRoche Posay Anthelios L SPF 60. It takes extra minutes to apply every morning, but it is an effective sunscreen that is paraben free. They make a facial one too - with tint and without. I also avoid peak hours - my walks are either early morning or after 7:00 pm. Still working on getting used to hats - I see a shopping trip to the Tilley store in my near future! And when we decided to move last year, a must have was a private, enclosed, and covered deck.