Sunblock: Who Uses it ?

[denverd0n]

I've already had several basal cell carcinomas removed. It was neither fun, nor pretty. I do not ever again want to hear the doctor say "the biopsy indicates that these are pre-cancerous cells". Trust me, neither do you!

ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

I've already had several basal cell carcinomas removed. It was neither fun, nor pretty. I do not ever again want to hear the doctor say "the biopsy indicates that these are pre-cancerous cells". Trust me, neither do you!

ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!

Yea, but there is not data that sunscreens prevent cancer. Only that it prevents sunburns. There are arguments as to whether sunburns lead to cancer. As smart as we are we don't know how the cancers actually start.

[pressuredrop]

no sun screen for me, ever, long sleeve shirts and hats thank you, i cant prove it, but i know for a fact that applying all those chemicals to absorb in your largest organ (skin) cannot be good for you, and in my opinion, most likely causes more cancer then it prevents

[sandy daugherty]

I never use it


at night.

I've ruined precious vacations getting too much sun the first day or two. I'm not going to keep making that mistake.

[JayH]

Originally Posted by pressuredrop

no sun screen for me, ever, long sleeve shirts and hats thank you, i cant prove it, but i know for a fact that applying all those chemicals to absorb in your largest organ (skin) cannot be good for you, and in my opinion, most likely causes more cancer then it prevents

I agree. Living aboard in FL, we see our share of sun. The sun is good, sunscreen is bad. Burns should be avoided. I think a good, well-cultivated tan is the best protection.

We cover up with hats and shirts when expecting high exposure, and will put Bullfrog on kids' ears, noses, and cheeks in extreme cases (all day fishing/snorkeling trips), but no whole body applications.

Human skin has been in the sun for thousands of years, not in air-conditioning and under fluorescent lights. That's where the doctors and marketing executives are, trying to to take all your money while killing you slowly.

Obviously people have different types of skin, and not everyone can develop a good protective tan because of genetics, latitude, or time outdoors. I still think those people are far better off covering up than putting on the chemicals. My motto is that if you can't eat it, you shouldn't put it on your skin.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by JayH

My motto is that if you can't eat it, you shouldn't put it on your skin.

I like to wash my hands with soap, but don't eat it....

People live longer than they used to and cancer has a better chance of getting us as we get older.

Here is what the may clinic has to say about sun burns:

Sunburn: Complications - MayoClinic.com

[Bash]

I forget my sunblock so often that I finally installed a permanent T-top over the helm. I still try to remember to use sunblock when I can, but it's nice to have a backup plan.

[capt_douglas]

No Ad 50 goes on before the sunglasses and had go on.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by Therapy

Yea, but there is not data that sunscreens prevent cancer. Only that it prevents sunburns. There are arguments as to whether sunburns lead to cancer. As smart as we are we don't know how the cancers actually start.

Good point. Most recent guidelines focus more on covering up than gooping up. There is definitely an association between sun exposure and the more common basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, but controversy over melanoma with some pointing out that it occurs in non-exposed areas, while others point out that it occurs more frequently closer to the equator, suggesting an association. For now I wear my hat and long sleeves and sunscreen on my face. I think I may have some kind of record with 36 BCC's to my credit and counting.

Mike

[SkiprJohn]

At age 40 I had my first skin cancer surgery and have been going through skin cancer and pre cancer removal procedures for the past 25 years since. All due to sailing in the sun with no protection. I am of northern German ancestry.

Think about it and go ahead do your own thing. Just go see your dermatologist often if you can afford. it.

There are still idiots visiting sun tan booths. Can you believe it?

regards,

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

Good point. Most recent guidelines focus more on covering up than gooping up. There is definitely an association between sun exposure and the more common basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, but controversy over melanoma ...

Yes indeed, avoid the sun as possible, cover up, AND apply sun screen.

While the exact relationship is not 100% defined, it appears that intermittent (occasional) exposure, and exposure during childhood and adolescence, are likely important predictors for basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous malignant melanoma.
High levels of chronic exposure, such as working outdoors, is more often associated with squamous cell tumours.

See:

➥ Skin Cancer Facts

➥ How do I protect myself from UV rays?

[Factor]

As we say in Australia - slip slop slap

Slip on a shirt
Slop on sunscreen
Slap on a hat

And more recently
Slip Slop Slap, Seek and Slide
Seek shade
slide on sunglasses


And remember there is almost as much bite in the sun reflected off the water as there is coming directly from the sky

The other thing I do is go to the skin doctor every year for an examination - top to toe. every year I have to get something burnt off with the liquid nitrogen and every so often its a trip to the surgeon to cut some stuff out

And sun cream is best NOT rubbed in.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Factor

every year I have to get something burnt off with the liquid nitrogen and every so often its a trip to the surgeon to cut some stuff out

.

I don't want to say not to go to a doctor but I can tell you that a lot of the things "burnt" off are of little risk really. How little - well just see what some think of an AED on board. And as for the cutting off stuff. Be careful what the pathologist says about the specimen. "Pre-cancerous" does not mean that it would have turned into cancer and the patient says "Whew!!, I just dodged the bullet and was saved." It means that some day, maybe, it might have turned into cancer.

Not sure I want to be in the study to leave the thing there and be the stat on the graph that shows, "Yep, that type turned into cancer all right.", sorry dude.

[gonesail]

in florida now the UV can be in the extreme range with 10 or 15 minutes to burn without sun screen. you make the decision.

[Therapy]

I use sunblock every time (well, almost) I am out but.........

I was out on a day where the plan was an hour or so that went to half a day, though the middle of the day. It was one of those 15 min to burn days. I got a little red with only a mild, light, "warm" feeling that evening. I don't call that a burn. So I am a little skeptical of the warning mantras. There is just so much hype about everything these days IMO.

When they say 15 min to burn what do they mean? I do know it does not apply to me. Maybe a Snow-bird infant? What is the scale?

Maybe in the future one could be sure to follow the exact plan and be guaranteed a loooong life. Doubt it though.

My sons are adults (yea right! ) now and were brought up with the rule of sunblock. We all followed it. But now we know that scientists (what does that really mean?) are not sure block does anything to prevent the big C. Are my sons breasts because of the sunblock or cheeseburgers? Both? Oh NO! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH.

When I am 127 and they are 60 I will be pretty sure of the answers.