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Coronavirus/COVID-19
What cancer patients, their families, and caregivers need to know about COVID-19.
Working outdoors
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Apr 20, 2017 - 2:19 am
Hey guys - I'm just looking for some advice. I'm 32, about to turn 33, and was diagnosed with my first basal cell last month. It has been successfully removed, but it's got me a little concerned. You see, about 5 years ago I lost an uncle to melanoma. And I grew up in the country and spent a lot of time outdoors (mountain biking, hiking, climbing trees, swimming...). And yes, I did have around 1 - 2 sunburns each year as a child. So I'm concerned that this is my first basal cell with a potential for a long road ahead - and I'm still young! Other background information: I currently spend a lot of time outdoors at a job (that I absolutely LOVE). I live in the central valley of California, which has a lot of sun, hot weather, and air pollution. I am also fair skinned, red head, and don't tan. On my free time I like to run, and hike, but I am "better than average" about wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. - I know better now! So here is my question: I work for a large company, and currently have the option of taking on an indoor job (which I will not enjoy nearly as much, but I should like 'enough'). I am considering it because it is almost exclusively indoors. Currently on an average day I probably spend 3 maybe 4 hours outside. Some days I will spend up to 8 hours outside. Should I switch to a job to get indoors and limit my sun exposure? Or is wearing protective clothing and sunscreen enough? I've asked my dermatologist and She recommends that I take the indoor position. What do you guys think? (assume all other non-discussed factors are equal)
Any input, opinions would be greatly appreciated!
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Joined: Feb 2015
unquestionably
agree with your dermatologist, and if she advised you to get annual body surveillance checks, do it !
Joined: Aug 2009
Only you can make your decision
I am more than twice your age and have spent a very large portion of that time outdoors. I am very light skinned (but do 'tan' easily), very dark brown hair, light green eyes. So yes, as old as I am there were no 'sunscreens' available when I was younger.
I still spend a lot of time being the horsewoman and 'outdoor woman' I have always been, am and will remain the rest of my life. There is no way that I would not have spent/spend the time being active outdoors. I have had a BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma) on my arm and a couple of SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) on my face but I believe that life is to be lived and enjoyed to the utmost.
My Derm. just insists that I keep slathered down with sunscreen and wear a somewhat wide brimed hat. (I see my Derm on Tues for 6 mth check.)
Certainly the skin can be damaged by too much sunshine but on the converse lack of sunshine can cause a lot of other problems. Low Vit. D is responsible for many issues among them SAD (Season Affective Disorder) which leads to depression. I've heard that there are 'studies' linking low Vit D to BC.
No one can tell you what is 'right' for you - only you can make that decision.