Tanning

My motto is: live as well as you can as long as you can. If you enjoy the sun, use sunscreen and don't overdo it, but enjoy it, by all means. My Sister was at least half mermaid. She lived as close to the beach as she could afford and spent as much time as she could on the beach before and after she became a cancer survivor. The only change she made was when she had a port (wrong name for it). She had tubes coming out through her skin and was not allowed to get it wet, so she did not swim in the ocean, but she certainly did wade and sit in the water and enjoy the sun. Even with that she lived 6 years longer than the Drs. said she would. I am still in the process of treatment, but I do not plan to avoid the sun much more than I ever have (I am not as much of an outdoor person as my sister). I will probably continue to wear the hats I have come to enjoy since starting chemo, and I will use sunscreen (I burn easily, so I use it anyway).

That's my 2 cents worth. seof

I don't avoid it but even before cancer - limited time in the sun - heavy sunblock - hats. A little bit of sun is the real source of vitamin D and good for you. But getting color - and hope you're not offended - but I think its stupid. There are plenty of self tanners and I use those all the time for a little bit of color as I am one of the whitest people you could meet. My brother (45) was diagnosed with melanoma Friday - if I wasn't already convinced I would be now.
Sorry to be harsh, but I enjoy my life and I just don't get it when people aren't doing the things that are known to help them.
S

It was probably about five years ago that I read it, but I did read something that said that folks with breast cancer have a higher than average risk of basal cell carcinomas. That's a type of skin cancer that is easier than some to remove and "cure", but it is not something anyone would particularly want to have. I don't avoid the sun, but I will wear sunscreen once it is summer and I ask the doctor to check me for skin cancer every year. Right now I'm testing low on vitamin D so I'm trying to make an effort to get outside for 30 minutes or so each day without sunscreen. So far I'm averaging about 8 minutes a day for the week. . .

I use sunblock and I do get out in the sun. I have had several basal cell skin cancer and had them removed but that was before breast cancer. I went on numerous sites from John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and ACS to find the answer. The answer is the same for BC and Non BC patients, be wise, use sun screen, try not to be out between 11-4. I love the feel of sun on my face and it just makes me feel good. I don't just lie out and sun bathe but I do have fun in the sun.

Hola New!
It has been a while. I hope you are well. From what I understand, spending 15 minutes in the sun, unprotected is healthy as it builds Vitamin D in our system. However, long periods of time in the sun is not safe if one is unprotected. Use at least an SPF 30 if you are very light skinned. But, I think you should be safe to enjoy the sun with sun protection.

WHATEVER!!!! I love the sun, and I am a breast cancer surviver, 33 years old. It makes me happy. What doesnt cause cancer? You have to live and if you want to tan, TAN.

Hey New,
Miss you. Enjoy the sun as I have, but now with the ratio and chemo after 5 years done, need to stay off of it. Love the Ocean but go in shade, as love PR. But be careful as with being already diagonised with cancer not a good thing. Love you good friend.

New,
Great wish I looked that good in the bathing suit. HAHA. No with the tropic weather need to also do what you do. But here hot fast. Give me some info., shade trees, kayak. Miss you good friend
Love, Cindy