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@gingerw I was recently diagnosed with squamous cell, basal cell, and two precancers. You noted that you have had multiple skin cancer and precancer diagnoses. How have you changed your lifestyle as a result? I have always been a sunscreen fanatic, very frequently applying chemical sunscreen. I have now moved to mineral sunscreen since reading more about skin cancer after my excisions. This recent experience has me a bit fearful of the sun now, which I used to enjoy as an active person, not as a sun worshipper (I never lay out because I don’t get tan anyway). I bought lots of UPF 50+ shirts and am going to Disney with the grandkids in a few weeks and I am wondering if short sleeves with sunscreen would be an okay alternative. My skin cancers are on my hand neck and my precancers are in my nose and hand. I have two other suspicious areas on my forearms. Any advice is welcomed.
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@cmcp First, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm glad to see you have been reading the discussions here and found useful information. Back in younger years, you and I were probably part of the same generation who worshipped the sun. Like you, I didn't lay out, but I did a lot of outdoor activities, with no thought to sunscreen.
After dealing with the various skin cancer issues, I now apply a sunscreen everyday, regardless of the weather. Careful to wash my face and hands thoroughly every night before bed. I use a hat to provide as much shade as possible, too. Long sleeves. Staying out of the sun's strongest hours, remembering that even if it is foggy/overcast there is still a UV risk. Don't forget your hands for sunscreen, too. I often wear lightweight white cotton gloves. You will need to make that decision about long sleeves or short sleeves with sunscreen!
My melanoma was on right forearm. Squamous on forehead and left eyebrow. Nodular basal cell near right collarbone. Precancers various places on face/ears/arms.
Hope this helps? Enjoy your trip to Disney - Florida or California?
Ginger