Avoid Skin Cancer--I didn't (Read 892 times)

For some stupid reason I have chosen to run for over 3 decades w/o sun screen--actually never heard much about it till 10-15 yrs ago. Hats? Too hot. I look great with a tan. Well at age 64--I know--most of you will--hey old man what did you expect? I had a Basil Cell cancer removed from under my nose in 2002--20 stiches. Plastic surgeon did a great job. In early 2004 had a Squamous skin cancer removed from my cheek --below my left eye. 40 stitches--another great patch job by the plastic surgeon. I had a small mole removed from my forearm on Monday. The dermatologist wasn't concerned. Well Fri he called. 1 hr later I was under the knife--a Melonoma--scary. I have a large, long ugly incision --plus a bunch of removed tissue. The good news for me is that the biopsy showed he got it all. I share this to maybe get your attention. My doctor advises me he is seeing a lot of folks--much younger than me-- with skin cancers. Do yoursef a favor. Sun screen/hats/protective clothes--even if it is hot. Run in the early morning--before sun up or after sunset. I didnt. Over 65,000 miles. I am paying a price. I hope none of you have to. Hope I didn't sound too preachy. Nick

You need to be preachy about certain things! Thanks for the message and I hope this episode is the last one for you.

Good advice. I always wear SPF, even in the winter months!

Thanks for sharing Nick. It's one of those things that you think will never happen to you, so it's great to share and make people aware that it DOES happen to people like us (aka runners). It's really good news that he got it all this time.

You know, sunscreen is something I haven't thought too much about. I never spent too much time out in the sun. But now that I've picked up this running habit, it's something I definitely need to think about.

Good post Nick, I've had five, count 'em, five basal cells removed from my face. Mary Ann says scars "give me character". My dermatologist has a "buy five, get one free" special going, just for me . Also a pre-melanomic mole from my wrist. Scary. You'll never catch me running without a hat or sunscreen. Also, know the symptoms of skin cancers, I've caught all mine early because I know what to look for.

Thanks, Nick. Best of luck -- hopefully no more problems. A few other thoughts: 1) See a dermatologist regularly. (once every year or two). Have them look at any suspicious moles and make a record of size/color (pictures are good). And always keep an eye on your body for any changes with regards to your skins/moles. 2) Eye protection is super important, too. Be sure to wear sunglasses with good UV blocking. This is a year-round thing -- glare from snow can be murder on your eyes. 3) Speaking of snow, one of the worst sunburns I've ever gotten was after a ski vacation without ample sunblock for my face. Don't be fooled by the cold and snow -- "use protection." 4) Put your sunscreen on 15~30 minutes before you expect to be out in the sun.

FWIW - I read about Neutragena Active sunblock on that other running site that shall remains nameless a few years ago. It's wonderful, and now I wear it on every run between the first day of spring and the first day of fall. May be too late to counter the sun exposure this fair-skinned, fair-haired, blue-eyed girl unwisely got for too many years before that, but I haven't had the slightest sunburn since - even after 2+-hour kayaking trips and 8+ hours on a sailboat. Eliz

Thanks for the recommendation. I have a hard time finding sunblocks that don't sweat off. I sweat...a LOT. Like a pig. Wait, pigs and horses got nothin' on me. I have been known to lose 3-5#s on an hour run with plenty of fluids with me. Does this stuff stick well, at least in terms of actual UV protection during a run? I still have to avoid sunblocks on my face, since they always sweat into my eyes and make running with my eyes open impossible. But I always run with a brimmed wicking hat and shades--my eyes are one thing I won't mess with, as Jeff pointed out (UV damage causes cataracts). k