› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Sun Exposure after Melanoma Diagnosis
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Gene_S.
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I am sure this topic has been discussed before but was curious on folks thoughts. I was recently diagnosed with Melanoma and have been practicing sun safety but this past weekend I noticed while out in the hot sun (I've been trying to still live my life) that I missed a few spots with sun screen and have a few red spots where I got too much sun. Ugh, I've been so careful about putting on hats, sun glasses, sunscreen, layers etc. Should I be totally freaking out that I am just fueling melanoma (even though last scans showed everything was clear?).
I am sure this topic has been discussed before but was curious on folks thoughts. I was recently diagnosed with Melanoma and have been practicing sun safety but this past weekend I noticed while out in the hot sun (I've been trying to still live my life) that I missed a few spots with sun screen and have a few red spots where I got too much sun. Ugh, I've been so careful about putting on hats, sun glasses, sunscreen, layers etc. Should I be totally freaking out that I am just fueling melanoma (even though last scans showed everything was clear?).
Thoughts on this?
- Replies
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Most melanoma information sources cite sun exposure as “the cause” of melanoma. In fact, the American Cancer Society states: “We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer.” The ACS notes that prolonged excessive sun exposure is just one of the potential risk factors for the disease.
Other risk factors:
- Having many large or irregularly shaped moles
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Most melanoma information sources cite sun exposure as “the cause” of melanoma. In fact, the American Cancer Society states: “We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer.” The ACS notes that prolonged excessive sun exposure is just one of the potential risk factors for the disease.
Other risk factors:
- Having many large or irregularly shaped moles
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:53 pm
thanks for posting that gene. i needed to read that. i have barely left my house since my diagnosis… except for my appointments, and a quick trip to the grocery store. i just cant seem to be rational about it. i think this might help… thanks again.
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:53 pm
thanks for posting that gene. i needed to read that. i have barely left my house since my diagnosis… except for my appointments, and a quick trip to the grocery store. i just cant seem to be rational about it. i think this might help… thanks again.
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- June 13, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Actually Gene, the American Cancer Society says that "too much exposure to UV radiation is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanoma" – And I can't find the word potential here at all.. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/overviewguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-overview-what-causes
(" Potential' sure is used by the indoor tanning community though, http://www.tancanada.org/ along with the reassurance that the risks are manageable. (???) "moderate ultra-violet light exposure when experienced in a non-burning fashion is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of UV light while minimizing the manageable potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight." )
The American Medical Society (doctors, not fundraisers) say this –
CAUSES
"The main risk factor for melanoma is UV (ultraviolet) light, which can
come from sunlight or a tanning bed. Fair-skinned people (especially
those with red or blond hair and those who tend to sunburn
frequently), people with many abnormally shaped moles (dysplastic
nevi), and people with family members who have had melanoma are at higher risk of developing melanoma." http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/305/22/2368.full.pdfAnd the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a warning this year stating –
"Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes the 3 major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and cutaneous malignant melanoma. Public awareness of the risk is not optimal, overall compliance with sun protection is inconsistent, and melanoma rates continue to rise. The risk of skin cancer increases when people overexpose themselves to sun and intentionally expose themselves to artificial sources of UVR. Yet, people continue to sunburn, and teenagers and adults alike remain frequent visitors to tanning parlors."
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/02/28/peds.2010-3501.abstract
Reading this I tend to beleive UV exposure is the primary risk factor. Hopefully science will soon tell us why for some of us it proves to be deadly, but until then, it is prudent to be cautious.
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American Cancer Society
What is cancer?
We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer. But we do know that certain risk factors are linked to this disease. A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or family history, can't be changed.
But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And many people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Even if a person with melanoma has a risk factor, it is often very hard to know how much that risk factor may have contributed to the cancer.
Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer
UV (ultraviolet) light
Too much exposure to UV radiation is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanomas. The main source of UV light is the sun. Tanning lamps and booths are also sources of UV light. People with high levels of exposure to UV light are at greater risk for all types of skin cancer.
The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, how long the skin was exposed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing and sunscreen. Many studies have linked melanoma in the trunk, legs, and arms to frequent sunburns (especially in childhood).
Moles
A mole (the medical name is nevus) is a benign (not cancer) skin tumor. Certain types of moles increase a person's chance of getting melanoma. The chance of any single mole turning into cancer is very low. But a person who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma. These people should have very thorough skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist). Many doctors suggest that they should also look at their own skin every month. Good sun protection is always important.
Fair skin
The risk of melanoma is more than 10 times higher for whites than for African Americans. Whites with fair skin, freckles, or red or blond hair have a higher risk of melanoma. Red-haired people have the highest risk.
Family history of melanoma
Around 10% of people with melanoma have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister, child) with the disease. This could be because the family tends to spend more time in the sun, or because the family members have fair skin, or both. Less often, it is because of a gene change (mutation) along with sun exposure.
People with a strong family history of melanoma should do these things:
- Have regular skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist)
- Learn to look at their own skin and know what it should look like
- Be very careful about sun exposure
Having had melanoma in the past
A person who has already had melanoma has a higher risk of getting another one.
Weak immune systems
People who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune system, such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Age
Melanoma is more likely to happen in older people. But it is a cancer that is also found in younger people. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers in people under 30.
Gender
In the US, men have a higher rate of melanoma than women.
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
This is a rare, inherited condition. People with XP are less able to repair damage caused by sunlight and are at greater risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
Last Medical Review: 03/29/2010
Last Revised: 07/07/2010 -
- June 13, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Actually Gene, the American Cancer Society says that "too much exposure to UV radiation is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanoma" – And I can't find the word potential here at all.. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/overviewguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-overview-what-causes
(" Potential' sure is used by the indoor tanning community though, http://www.tancanada.org/ along with the reassurance that the risks are manageable. (???) "moderate ultra-violet light exposure when experienced in a non-burning fashion is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of UV light while minimizing the manageable potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight." )
The American Medical Society (doctors, not fundraisers) say this –
CAUSES
"The main risk factor for melanoma is UV (ultraviolet) light, which can
come from sunlight or a tanning bed. Fair-skinned people (especially
those with red or blond hair and those who tend to sunburn
frequently), people with many abnormally shaped moles (dysplastic
nevi), and people with family members who have had melanoma are at higher risk of developing melanoma." http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/305/22/2368.full.pdfAnd the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a warning this year stating –
"Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes the 3 major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and cutaneous malignant melanoma. Public awareness of the risk is not optimal, overall compliance with sun protection is inconsistent, and melanoma rates continue to rise. The risk of skin cancer increases when people overexpose themselves to sun and intentionally expose themselves to artificial sources of UVR. Yet, people continue to sunburn, and teenagers and adults alike remain frequent visitors to tanning parlors."
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/02/28/peds.2010-3501.abstract
Reading this I tend to beleive UV exposure is the primary risk factor. Hopefully science will soon tell us why for some of us it proves to be deadly, but until then, it is prudent to be cautious.
———————————————————————————————————
American Cancer Society
What is cancer?
We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer. But we do know that certain risk factors are linked to this disease. A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or family history, can't be changed.
But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And many people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Even if a person with melanoma has a risk factor, it is often very hard to know how much that risk factor may have contributed to the cancer.
Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer
UV (ultraviolet) light
Too much exposure to UV radiation is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanomas. The main source of UV light is the sun. Tanning lamps and booths are also sources of UV light. People with high levels of exposure to UV light are at greater risk for all types of skin cancer.
The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, how long the skin was exposed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing and sunscreen. Many studies have linked melanoma in the trunk, legs, and arms to frequent sunburns (especially in childhood).
Moles
A mole (the medical name is nevus) is a benign (not cancer) skin tumor. Certain types of moles increase a person's chance of getting melanoma. The chance of any single mole turning into cancer is very low. But a person who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma. These people should have very thorough skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist). Many doctors suggest that they should also look at their own skin every month. Good sun protection is always important.
Fair skin
The risk of melanoma is more than 10 times higher for whites than for African Americans. Whites with fair skin, freckles, or red or blond hair have a higher risk of melanoma. Red-haired people have the highest risk.
Family history of melanoma
Around 10% of people with melanoma have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister, child) with the disease. This could be because the family tends to spend more time in the sun, or because the family members have fair skin, or both. Less often, it is because of a gene change (mutation) along with sun exposure.
People with a strong family history of melanoma should do these things:
- Have regular skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist)
- Learn to look at their own skin and know what it should look like
- Be very careful about sun exposure
Having had melanoma in the past
A person who has already had melanoma has a higher risk of getting another one.
Weak immune systems
People who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune system, such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Age
Melanoma is more likely to happen in older people. But it is a cancer that is also found in younger people. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers in people under 30.
Gender
In the US, men have a higher rate of melanoma than women.
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
This is a rare, inherited condition. People with XP are less able to repair damage caused by sunlight and are at greater risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
Last Medical Review: 03/29/2010
Last Revised: 07/07/2010
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Most melanoma information sources cite sun exposure as “the cause” of melanoma. In fact, the American Cancer Society states: “We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer.” The ACS notes that prolonged excessive sun exposure is just one of the potential risk factors for the disease.
Other risk factors:
- Having many large or irregularly shaped moles
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 13, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Most melanoma information sources cite sun exposure as “the cause” of melanoma. In fact, the American Cancer Society states: “We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer.” The ACS notes that prolonged excessive sun exposure is just one of the potential risk factors for the disease.
Other risk factors:
- Having many large or irregularly shaped moles
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 13, 2011 at 6:36 pm
I asked my first oncologist if I need to practice sun safety now that I have been diagnosed with melanoma. She said, "You're WAY past that now". Since it is in my lymph system, sun safety is not going to make a difference.
I don't go out in the sun anyway, never did past the age of 20.
Nicki, Stage 3b
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- June 13, 2011 at 6:36 pm
I asked my first oncologist if I need to practice sun safety now that I have been diagnosed with melanoma. She said, "You're WAY past that now". Since it is in my lymph system, sun safety is not going to make a difference.
I don't go out in the sun anyway, never did past the age of 20.
Nicki, Stage 3b
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- June 13, 2011 at 7:37 pm
You don't say what stage you are. The sun has nothing to do with recurrance! Only 8% of the people with melanoma have multiple primaries. You do need to be sun wise but you also have to live your life. Don't beat yourself up, it happens!
I still go out to the beach but I go early in the morning or late in the evening. I apply sunblock and wear a cover up. I also only go out for an hour. I've been doing this the last few years and have not gotten a burn. I go to the derm during the summer and don't have any tan lines.
You have to continue living your life, just be careful. We have stage IV people on this board that go out on a boat all of the time.
Linda
dealing with mel since 79 – 6 primaries
stage IV since 06
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- June 13, 2011 at 7:37 pm
You don't say what stage you are. The sun has nothing to do with recurrance! Only 8% of the people with melanoma have multiple primaries. You do need to be sun wise but you also have to live your life. Don't beat yourself up, it happens!
I still go out to the beach but I go early in the morning or late in the evening. I apply sunblock and wear a cover up. I also only go out for an hour. I've been doing this the last few years and have not gotten a burn. I go to the derm during the summer and don't have any tan lines.
You have to continue living your life, just be careful. We have stage IV people on this board that go out on a boat all of the time.
Linda
dealing with mel since 79 – 6 primaries
stage IV since 06
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- June 13, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I allow myself small amounts of sun, but cover up and/or seek shade during the hottest part of the day. When I was first diagnosed (1b) I was afraid to even drive my car when I had exposed hands. (I didn't like putting on loads of sunscreen) -so I would pull my sleeves down over my hands. You are right to keep to living your life, but please do your best to avoid burns. (Perhaps I am more fearful of them though because I had a slight one just before my mole changed…)
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- June 13, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I allow myself small amounts of sun, but cover up and/or seek shade during the hottest part of the day. When I was first diagnosed (1b) I was afraid to even drive my car when I had exposed hands. (I didn't like putting on loads of sunscreen) -so I would pull my sleeves down over my hands. You are right to keep to living your life, but please do your best to avoid burns. (Perhaps I am more fearful of them though because I had a slight one just before my mole changed…)
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- June 13, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Live your life! Sun exposure isn't going to cause a recurrence…. only the possibility of a new primary or the other types of skin cancer (which can be disfiguring). I personally choose that melanoma will NOT run my life. I do what I want when I want. I try to limit my sun exposure if possible because I know I don't need more. (As my one friend was told by his derm, "you've already had your lifetime fill of sun exposure"). I do all my outdoor activities. If I have a choice, I might do them in the morning or evening if possible. If not, I just am sun conscious and add sunscreen or sun clothing. I do not live indoors because of melanoma – if you let it run the way you live, then you have already let melanoma win. I never want that to happen!
Best wishes,
Janner
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- June 13, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Live your life! Sun exposure isn't going to cause a recurrence…. only the possibility of a new primary or the other types of skin cancer (which can be disfiguring). I personally choose that melanoma will NOT run my life. I do what I want when I want. I try to limit my sun exposure if possible because I know I don't need more. (As my one friend was told by his derm, "you've already had your lifetime fill of sun exposure"). I do all my outdoor activities. If I have a choice, I might do them in the morning or evening if possible. If not, I just am sun conscious and add sunscreen or sun clothing. I do not live indoors because of melanoma – if you let it run the way you live, then you have already let melanoma win. I never want that to happen!
Best wishes,
Janner
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- June 14, 2011 at 1:11 am
Actually I asked Dr Weber this exact question last Wednesday…thinking… well my damage is already done ( and because I bought a cute little Miata convertable)…however…he said at the ASCO conference they discussed this and saw some results of some studies…how UV causes such damage and the damage it causes…he said we all should avoid the sun like the plague…guess I will be driving with my top down in the middle of the night….by moon light…wonder how much UV comes off it lol
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- June 14, 2011 at 1:11 am
Actually I asked Dr Weber this exact question last Wednesday…thinking… well my damage is already done ( and because I bought a cute little Miata convertable)…however…he said at the ASCO conference they discussed this and saw some results of some studies…how UV causes such damage and the damage it causes…he said we all should avoid the sun like the plague…guess I will be driving with my top down in the middle of the night….by moon light…wonder how much UV comes off it lol
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- June 18, 2011 at 5:11 am
I agree with Janner… "Live your Life" if you are concerned about the sun, simply avoid direct sun rays between 10am to 4pm. In the mean time enjoy your car during the days with sunshine! Also do your homework on the right amount of vitamin D3 you should be taking.
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 18, 2011 at 5:11 am
I agree with Janner… "Live your Life" if you are concerned about the sun, simply avoid direct sun rays between 10am to 4pm. In the mean time enjoy your car during the days with sunshine! Also do your homework on the right amount of vitamin D3 you should be taking.
Best Wishes,
Gene
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- June 14, 2011 at 4:47 pm
I am terrified of the sun now. Just the other day it was cloudy and looked like it would rain all day long. I mowed my lawn. I had SPF 50 on and my arms from elbow down and legs from knee down got sun burnt. I did not even know until I came in. I feel like I can not spend any amount of time outside during the day at all without being completely covered up and sweating. I dont go out much at all except to the store or bank. I do my running in the early mornings and later evenings. This has changed my life so much. I also know Interferon makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and I am in my 9th month.
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- June 14, 2011 at 4:47 pm
I am terrified of the sun now. Just the other day it was cloudy and looked like it would rain all day long. I mowed my lawn. I had SPF 50 on and my arms from elbow down and legs from knee down got sun burnt. I did not even know until I came in. I feel like I can not spend any amount of time outside during the day at all without being completely covered up and sweating. I dont go out much at all except to the store or bank. I do my running in the early mornings and later evenings. This has changed my life so much. I also know Interferon makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and I am in my 9th month.
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- June 15, 2011 at 6:07 am
I wish they could define the teerm "TOO much sun exposure"! My personnal believe is that damage to the skin is not just due to sun exposure, but to damge to the skin. I suspect Burns to be a major factor, but people that don't burn (ME) get melanoma in places the sun never saw. I know many people that are very white skinned, light blond hair, covered with moles and burn with 15 minutes in the bare sun that get along fine. (regarding melanoma)
The only facter I have that relates in any way to the standard profile is over 50. My family history is of family that has lived in Florida (for almost 200 years) and worked in the sun (Often farmers/carpenters/gardeneers) none of them ever had melanoma and all but one I know lived to over 50. Most into their 80's.I have not personaly avoided the sun since either my first coomplaints to the MD in 2003 nor since my Melanoma diagnosis in 2006, nor reaching stage IV in early 2007. I do recommend that fair skinned family members and friends use sun protection and to keep from getting burns. I also push that watching ones skin for changing spots (E) af the A,B, C,D's is the primary reason to get to a skin doctor, not just a GP nor PCP. They aften don't know enough about what they are seiing. We have to ask for referrals. More people need to ask, not wait for the GP's to come up with the idea. My GP ignored my 10 complaints for 3 1/2 years before a new PCP came up with the idea of a referral to a general surgeon.
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- June 15, 2011 at 6:07 am
I wish they could define the teerm "TOO much sun exposure"! My personnal believe is that damage to the skin is not just due to sun exposure, but to damge to the skin. I suspect Burns to be a major factor, but people that don't burn (ME) get melanoma in places the sun never saw. I know many people that are very white skinned, light blond hair, covered with moles and burn with 15 minutes in the bare sun that get along fine. (regarding melanoma)
The only facter I have that relates in any way to the standard profile is over 50. My family history is of family that has lived in Florida (for almost 200 years) and worked in the sun (Often farmers/carpenters/gardeneers) none of them ever had melanoma and all but one I know lived to over 50. Most into their 80's.I have not personaly avoided the sun since either my first coomplaints to the MD in 2003 nor since my Melanoma diagnosis in 2006, nor reaching stage IV in early 2007. I do recommend that fair skinned family members and friends use sun protection and to keep from getting burns. I also push that watching ones skin for changing spots (E) af the A,B, C,D's is the primary reason to get to a skin doctor, not just a GP nor PCP. They aften don't know enough about what they are seiing. We have to ask for referrals. More people need to ask, not wait for the GP's to come up with the idea. My GP ignored my 10 complaints for 3 1/2 years before a new PCP came up with the idea of a referral to a general surgeon.
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