Skin cancer- we can all be at risk.

My hairdresser had a growth removed from her leg years ago. The oncologist told her that’s where many women get them because their kegs are exposed and they don’t notice them on the back of their legs. I lost a very dear friend who had spent a lot of time outside in his youth. And because he only had his hair cut very infrequently no one notices the cancer on his head till it was too late. Having said that I also know several people that had skin cancer many years ago and are still ok. I think Australia led the way in skin cancer awareness and treatment.

When my husband died 2,000 people died every month from skin cancer . By now the figures must be higher. If you notice a mark that can be pale brown to black ,or a mole that has gotten bigger or changed shape or is weeping get it checked out.

You do not want to see what skin cancer can do to a fit healthy man . You do not want to hold your husband every night for months while he cried himself to sleep or hold him while he screamed with pain.

NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE SUN IT COULD COST YOUR LIFE.

I’ve got an appointment with the dermatologist on the 29th. I’ve waited 18 months for an appointment. I’ve had a pre appointment with a nurse already about 3weeks ago.
I’ve had two BCC’s removed privately but this time I thought I would take the risk , wait and try and get a NHS appointment instead.
BCC’s don’t kill, ‘only’ spread and I have been keeping a close watch on the development of mine. If my concern had grown then I would have paid again, 🤞that I don’t have to lose much more of my nose. It wasn’t that big to start with!

Whiff that must have been so hard for you and at such a young age,too. They do make all the primary school children wear sun hats here in Summer but not the older ones. As you said often those nasty melanomas start at a young age and remain hidden and inactive so we need to look after the youngsters.

A friend of mine had cancerous growths on her toes - worth remembering to put sunscreen there if you wear sandals or bare feet.

My mother died of malignant melanoma so I am naturally very wary. I'm had three skin cancers, but none were malignant. Sunbathing, especially here now with climate change, is something we all need to be careful with.
On the brighter side, - I read that there is now the beginning of some hopeful treatment for melanoma. Let's hope it develops into a real cure soon. Meanwhile, prevention is best.

It always surprises me to see so many bald men out in the sun without a hat , preferably with a brim to protect the ears.
Despite my dh always wearing a hat he has still had skin problems.

So sorry for your loss Whiff, it must be very hard.
My DH has strawberry blond colouring and has never sunbathed, but in the past men rarely used anything on their faces. For several years now he regularly sees a dermatologist as little areas of dry and discoloured skin appeared on his face and hands. Fortunately due to the care of the dermatologist, none have developed into anything more serious. Of course he now wears factor 50 sunscreen and special prescription ointment, also a hat.
I’ve drummed skin care etc into our DSs, the one who spent some years in OZ knows how important it is.
Here in the UK there’s hardly a mention of avoiding sun skin damage and especially protecting the face skin.

As a golfer I am very aware of that in summer and do usually wear sunscreen but I hate it. Sticky whatever brand I buy.

My husband died from malignant melanoma grade 4 . His oncologist said it was set down in childhood and activated as an adult. As child of the late 50's no suntan cream like today it was oil if your parents could afford it or nothing. He spent hours on the beach by himself as a child.

In January 2001 was told his diagnosis and give 5 years to live. He had a biopsy couple of days after Christmas. Had the cancer removed from his face which was hidden in his sideburn by his right eye. It had appeared within a couple of days had to have a skin graft taken from the side of his neck. October 2003 given the terminal notice. 3 tumour's in his right lung ,1 in his chest and 2 in his brain by the optical nerve. Given 4 months to 2 years. He died just under the 4 months four days after his 47th birthday which he wanted to get to. He died in agony and unable to breath. I told him to stop fighting and we would be ok . He died minutes later. I was 45 our children 20 and 16.

Lost half of me the moment he took his last breath and haven't been whole since.

Never under estimate the power of the British sun all year round.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.