Question:
I need to know how to prevent skin cancer before it occurs -- instead of
waiting until it has ocurred then treating it.
I am 51 years old. I was born and raised in Miami, FL, before the days of
sunscreen. In the last 15 years, since the diagnosis of my first skin
cancer, I've had several dozen precancerous lesions, several dozen basal
cell cancers and three squamish cell cancers cut out, frozen or
electrodissicated. I have a few more to go that are already on my skin,
including one melanoma (my first).
I have been avoiding the sun for 30 years. I am essentially an indoor
person, so don't tell me to avoid the sun. I do need to know how to
prevent skin cancers. I am sick and tired of supporting the dermatology
industry. You can imagine my overall surgical bill. I'm getting sick and
tired of being frozen, fried, etc.
I'm tired of hearing "avoid the sun ... avoid the sun ... avoid the sun."
I've been doing that for thirty years. I have lived for the last 13 years
in Seattle, WA (not known for its sun). I use SPF 45 sunscreen. I wear
broad brimmed hats, etc. It doesn't help! I need to find out how to
PREVENT skin cancer, not JUST treat it.
Answer:
I'm afraid the damage must have been done during your first 20 years,
and/or you have a predisposition for those kinds of tumors (fair skin?)
Don't waste time or try and save money on that melanoma. Get it
radically removed, and quickly! If it metastasises your days on this
pretty planet are numbered.. With squamous and basal cell cancers you
have a bit more time.
