I had three Doctors tell me to stay out of the sun now

CAMommy

three separate doctors have told me since getting the BC dx to avoid the sun. I didn't think to ask why since so much else is on my mind but I googled it and found this

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/breast-cancer-melanoma-link

There seems to be an unexplained increase of skin cancer among BC patients and vice a versa.

Interesting..... I am fair skinned and avoid the sun much of the time anyway, but I will be more vigilant with sunscreen now.

MelissaDallas

CAMommy, do a search on Melanoma. There have been several interesting threads on the connection

ShetlandPony

Here are a couple more reasons to be careful of the sun: I was told to protect my skin from the sun after radiation therapy (I forget for how long), and for a year after taxol chemo. I ditched the sunscreens I used to use because they have parabens (endocrine disruptors), and found safer ones. But it is easier to wear long sleeves and a hat. I do have my vitamin D level monitored and take D3 supplements. Getting more sunlight didn't raise my levels anyway. I do allow a little morning or evening sun (but not on my face) because it just doesn't seem natural to get no sunlight.

ceanna

CAMOMMY, I read with interest the article and noticed that it was written by a med student and a professor. When I looked at the website where the article was posted and see that the organization's corporate sponsors include quite a number of sun block sellers, I became a little skeptical http://www.skincancer.org/about-us/corporate-supporters/corporate-council . The article stated that studies haven't always found the link between skin cancer and BC and listed the biases that may produce the link.

Personally, I've been torn for a number of years when I decided to avoid all the hazardous chemicals in most popular sun screen brands and how much sun I need for natural Vit. D production. Currently, I try to follow Dr. Mercola's recommendation for healthier sun exposure http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/26/maximizing-vitamin-d-exposure.aspx. . The doctor clarifies the difference between UVA and UVB exposure, and recommends times of day, season, and length of exposure. He also writes frequently about the health benefits of sun exposure and medical issues such as BC. Just search his site for more info.

Italychick

Honest.com also has an organic sun screen we use on the grandkids, and it works well. Right now they are out of stock, but it is a good product

tgtg

My rad onc was adamant about super-good sun protection (including extra protection for my clothed breast and chest) during the time of rads and generally for the following year, as well as normal protection thereafter. (We're hikers, so sunscreen, a good hat and a sunscreen shirt have always been part of my hiking costume.) When she saw me a year after rads ended, she asked if a dermatologist does a cancer check on me and was delighted when I said, "Yes." Both my surgeon and PCP also had recommended seeing a dermatologist for a cancer check. Interestingly though, the dermatologist says she favors getting some "unprotected sun" at the right times of day, since "everyone needs the real thing, not just the D3 pill."

Sparkle2014

sun protective clothing better then sunscreens,,, cover up and sweat and then shower/bath after getting outside - body needs sun exposure - this is good brand - and zappos has lots online and tank, wrap/open cardigan - long yoga pants - long beach flowy long lounge pants are in style too - at kohls and old navy - and target,,, and marshalls etc... i have had 2 karatoacantomas 2009 and 2012 i think on my chest right above breasts - one year was right and next 3 years later same area opposite side - have to have plastic surgeon exise it and i always wondered - so close to my breasts - is there any link to those cells having gotten into breast or vice versa,, Derm DR said just because PS had gotten clear margins when excised - does not mean stray cancer cells made it elsewhere>????

those cost quite a lot of $$$$ - like 5k or 4,000 each with surgery co pays so a top that costs $90 to me is WORTH IT! i do not have that kind of cash to blow on removing skin growths from sun exposure every few years,,, i was in sun my entire life without wearing sunscreen until my 30's,,, grew up at beach in summers,,, many bad burns all over especially upper chest and tank area,,, and my legs and now I know better,, be careful out in it!

http://www.coolibar.com/category/Women/Tops-Tees-P...