I am a sunscreen freak. Wear it Every. Single. Day. Especially after having a malignant melanoma removed many years ago. I was lucky, now I am careful.
Please watch this. Please pass it on to every single person you know:
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I am a sunscreen freak. Wear it Every. Single. Day. Especially after having a malignant melanoma removed many years ago. I was lucky, now I am careful.
Please watch this. Please pass it on to every single person you know:
Comments
61 Comments so far
In a way I am happy that in my first year of highschool I met a teacher who was tanned like a turkey and told my class that men like a girl with some colour, I wore sunscreen every day after that..
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Stupid question maybe, but who do I see for a skin check? Start with my GP?
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Get a referral for a dermatologist. GPs can do them, but they may miss things that a dermatologist would notice.
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This is such an important video and I have sent it on to all of my friends and family. I work for an organisation called The Warwick Foundation and we support 18 – 40 year olds with cancer so I know how terrifying a diagnosis can be. Melanoma is the most common cancer for this age group but I really hope that with videos and messages like these that this will change. For those of you who are fighting cancer or know someone who is, please visit http://www.thewarwickfoundation.org.au and feel free get in touch with us if you would like our support.
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I am a 38 year old and have had my moles checked periodically. I recently decided to have one cut off as it was making me uneasy. Turns out it was an in situ melanoma. They tell me they got it all.
I have shared this on FB and encourage everyone to be careful, be checked, and have their suspicious mole removed if in doubt.
I wish those currently journeying with melanoma the very best outcomes.
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My husband is just living through his 9th reoccurrence of melanoma. This will be his 11th major surgery in Jan (one was 2 in 2 weeks). I’d love people to see that is not just a mole off here a mole off there, once it reaches your lymph system the surgeries are monumental, he has had deflated lungs, agonising recoveries, over 500 staples and we live constantly with the expectation that one checkup will be the last. But last month he reached his goal of living 10 years. He is 38 with an 11 yr old daughter…his body is ravaged by scars and side effects of so many surgeries and the removal of his lymph glands. Sun protection sun protection sun protection. Can’t say it enough times to enough people a bad sunburn and the joy of peeling off the skin?, well that could have already have started the chain reaction…. Take it from us living with or dying from melanoma will be the same no matter how good you look with a tan.
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It’s kinda fitting that this was posted today. Today is th 16th anniversary of my cousins death. He died aged 28 from melanoma. He grew up in a time when being sun safe meant not walking on hot concrete. To honour his memory I have become a sun safe nut. My kids don’t have a no hat no play rule, it’s no hat, no cream, no shirt, no play. Might be over the top but tell that to my aunty. Rip pete. Gone too soon. Xx
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I had a melanoma removed from the sole of my foot at age 25, almost 6 years ago now. Since then I’ve had about 12 more moles removed, a few every years just to be sure. Thankfully they’ve all only been dysplastic. I’ve never been badly burnt and have never used a tanning bed. Remember that melanoma sometimes doesn’t look like you think it should, mine wasn’t all nasty looking like so many promotional photos. And its not just on the outside. It can be inside your mouth, get your dentist to check. It can be inside your eyes, get your optometrist to check. Get your hairdresser to tell you if they see any moles on your scalp, so you can show them to your doctor just in case. Remember that its a subjective check, and GPs are the jack of all trades of medicine, so if you have alot of moles or are at higher risk, seek out a dermatologist for your checks. I have well over 100 moles, they’re very hard to keep track of, Mole Map does great photography (body shots, close up and dermatoscope pics) for me annually and a dermatologist reviews them, plus I see my own dermatologist every 6 months. Melanoma Patients Australia is a great support network for people who have been diagnosed, their friends, family and carers, not matter what level or stage of melanoma.
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I had one removed on the sole of my foot at age 29. It wasn’t at all suspicious looking either.
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Dammit. I’m 19 and had a severe sunburn when I was 16. I couldn’t move or shower for a week.
I’m also allergic to most sunscreens but I hear Eco Tan is working on an organic sunscreen so I can’t wait for that.
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Hi Cat,
I’m also highy allergic to sunscreen. It sucks! A specialist recently recommended the new Ego sensitive which, for now, is working magic (fingers crossed!). It only has three ingredients so there’s less chance of a reaction. Perhaps ask your doc for a sample.
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i am more than happy to send you samples of chemical free sunscreens to try. use on my own very allergic child with no dramas….
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Hi,
I would be interested to know more about your sunscreen samples and the ingredients it uses.
Could you email me?
Thanks.
Nat
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Apologies for the delay in responding. I have only just seen your response to my post. Natralia Nourish sunscreen is available at inspiredwellbeing.com.au. I find it fantastic for my family and if you wish to email us at info (inspiredwellbeing.com.au) we can send you trial samples. Now we just need the weather to fine up!
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Try Natralia Nourish Chemical Free Sunscreen. Happy to send you samples.
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Thanks for posting this. As one of the young ones, it’s great to have support and reminders to take care of our skin in a sun-worshipping-sans-spf culture.
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This just made me Bawl! And then I added it to my facebook straight away.
I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my cheek 2 months ago and am still wearing dressing to protect the scar from sun damage. It’s not the kind of cancer that kills you and is very common among people in their 50′s and 60′s.
Except I’m 24. And shouldn’t have one. I am so scared now that my lack of interest in sun care as a teen is going to lead to something more dangerous down the line.
Please wear sunscreen! SPF 30+ and its not enough that your moisturiser has some, or your foundation. It’s so easy to put on sunscreen before everything else.
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My daughter posted this on fb. I hope all young ones watch it. We are fighting a serious battle with melanoma my husband has. It started with one on his stomach area seven years ago and now this year we found out it has spread through the bloodstream. Please, please look after your skin, wear sun screen. It may be too late for people of my age, but you young ones can stop it with one easy step.
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My friend Ashne died at 34 after a reccurance of a malignant melanoma she had at 17. I know she would be happy about this video.
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This broke my heart. Again. I lost my beautiful 41 year old sister to skin cancer two years ago (basel cell carcinoma). It’s apparently a less aggressive form of skin cancer, with a 95% survival rate. My sister was in the very unlucky 5%.
It was heartbreaking to watch this as I understand the grief; but at the same time it gave me hope that people will take the simple message away from it that their skin – and life – is sacred. Look after it. Using sunscreen is an essential part of my everyday routine and it’s not just for me – it’s for my husband, my kids and our future.
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I am 3 years (almost to the day) into my battle with malignant melanoma. A small mole on my cheek led to tumours in my lymph nodes, liver and bowel.
Please stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, apply sunscreen everyday and wear sleeves and a hat when you are outside. Don’t have a Christmas that you think will be your last because cancer is something that ‘other’ people get.
Look after yourself. Please. And share this wherever you can.
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Good luck with your fight, be strong!
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That was an awesome way of reminding people to wear sunscreen. So well put together, informative, thought provoking without being preachy.
I have to admit I stupidly don’t use sunscreen because it always feel so greasy and heavy on my skin, so if anyone can recommend a good light non-greasy 30SPF one please let me know, I promise to go out tomorrow and get it!
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I’ve been using Clinique Super City Block 30+ (mainly for my face) for several years and it’s great as it’s oil free. Dermalogica also do some fab all-body sunscreen, as does the Cancer Council.
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Olay does a great 30+ moisturiser. There’s also a cool spray on neutrogena one that I like
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Sunsense 30 plus tinted sensitive facial moisturiser x
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Or/and oil of Olay with sunscreen..
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Thanks so much, I’ve made a note of them and will get one tomorrow for sure.
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No worries..happy shopping!!
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Hamilton sports milk. It doesn’t smell sunscreeny either
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I use Banana Boat aerosol spray on, I also HATE the heavy feeling of sunscreen on my skin. I never get burned when using it, and it’s so light that you don’t feel it. You don’t even have to spread it out, so your hands don’t have to get greasy. About $16/can from Coles and similar, 30+
I bought the Neutrogena one recently, but can’t stand the smell and feel of it.
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So sad but it made me realize that I don’t use sunscreen or check my skin enough. Thanks mm,for a great video. I have posted it on my fb. So hopfully I can help someone realize like I did.
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I think you’ve GOT to use sunscreen…it’s at least a help, if not the total solution! But I do think melanoma’s are being found in places which have NEVER seen the sun! A good friend of mine lost his mother to a melanoma on the sole of her foot…scary!
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Yes, apparently they can be the worst because they go unnoticed.
There is a history of melanoma in my family (grandparents… and my dad has had four removed).. The first time my doc checked my skin, she found a mole on the sole of my foot! I never, ever thought to check there.
I had it removed and I’m very lucky it wasn’t a melanoma.
Sorry to hear about your friend’s mum, Peta.
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Melanomas don’t necessarily pop up in places that have seen the sun as your skin is your largest organ – it is 1 organ, all linked. Damage to one part means damage to the whole organ.
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Oh thank you so much for sharing this. My dad’s had malignant melanomas removed twice before & other moles that have been looking dodgy/changing/feeling different etc. Terrifying. I know I’m at risk & I’m going to ask my GP about 2 that have changed a bit next time I see her. I’m currently doing a palliative care placement & I’ve been amazed at how young the people with terminal skin cancer are. It’s been a huge eye opener.
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If you have any freckles or moles that have changed see your doctor IMMEDIATELY. Don’t wait til next time. Please.
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Agreed!
If you find a melanoma scan place, it is completely bulk billed under Medicare. You need to make the appointment today not the next time you are at your GP’s, it’s just too much of a risk to put it off
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I’m fair-freckly, Celtic skin, proud of it and determined to protect it.
I always feel uneasy with all this talk and promotion of bronzer and fake tan-isn’t that a health/body image concern? Why buy into the concept that there’s something wrong with pale skin?
Wear your healthy porcelain complexion proudly!
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I too have reddish hair and pale skin. I still go to the beach but slather on sunscreen, wear a surf shirt and boardies and a hat (even in the water!) I wear sunscreen year round on my face, chest and arms.
So yes, EMBRACE AND PROTECT your
porcelain skin. The other upside is way less age lines. I am 45 and regularly told I look still in my late 20s!
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Thanks Sandi-the idea I might be rewarded by remaining youthful in appearance is a bonus! Thanks for the incentive.
Don’t give in to this pressure to look tanned.
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You guys are great. Many of us ethnics almost worship your skin and pale /light coloured eyes. I’d be saving it.
I unfortunately have beautiful olive skin but with freckles. Since then both my daughters & I wear sunscreen even in winter.
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I don’t know about this ad :/
My husband’s family seem to carry a gene for melanoma, he’s had it and the cancer spread to his lymph nodes but luckily he didn’t die, his aunt died of it and his nephew has it.
I don’t believe that sunscreen protects against melanoma and I didn’t put it on my children when they were small. Instead they wore long rash vests and legging if we were at the beach, and we only went to the beach at 5am or 7 pm. I as much as possible kept them out of the sun.
My family still don’t use sunscreen. My kids have never been tanned or sun burnt
Here have some links..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_health_risks_of_sunscreen
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070981/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/76270.php
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catgirl, I think there may be some truth to what you say. I burn extremely easily and have noticed that sunscreen does not stop me getting burnt, no matter what factor or how often I reapply. It reduces sunburn, but its not a licence to stay outside. So I also tend to rely more on avoidance and complete clothing coverup too. I use sunscreen but never rely on it.
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I agree. I burn even with sunscreen. It’s the same with my kids. And I’ve read that the jury is still out on whether sunscreen protects against skin cancer at all. Apparently the fact that it can prevent sunburn in some people does not necessarily prove it is protecting those people from skin cancer ie. even if you don’t burn you can still be increasing your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. Also there are health risks with wearing sunscreen, especially the micronised zinc. I think there is a danger that wearing sunscreen can give people a false sense of security.
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Catgirl, when my husband was 27, our daughter was 18mnths , we sat in a doctors surgery while he told us to get our affairs in order as he had a 50/50 chance of survival. No primary source was ever found, so they never found a mole to blame. But our radiologist explained that it’s better to over protect then under protect. If there is the potential with a gene in your family that may or may not surface in your kids it why not cover all bases?
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If there is the potential with a gene in your family that may or may not surface in your kids it why not cover all bases?
That is a very good question.
I didn’t use sun screen because I believe that the chemicals in it targets little kid’s livers. I didn’t want the associated health risks.
BUT if I had been taking my kids to the beach in the middle of the day I would have not wanted them to suffer from sunburn. So I would have erred on the side of caution and applied sun screen.
Sunscreen migh not protect you from melanoma but it does protect you from getting sun burnt.
Because I do feel the way that I do about sun screen, I made sure that I wasn’t placed in the position where I was faced with the choice of either using it or ending up with sun burnt kids. I choose to keep them out of the sun.
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I have to completely agree with your comment. To me it is insane to try and prevent one cancer by slathering ourselves in sunscreen WHICH also has potential carcinogens and also carries a risk of sparking cancer in our systems.
IMO the safest way to avoid cancer is avoid the sun AND sunscreen. Living in Australia means that is almost impossible so use it only when necessary.
I also had a malignant melanoma and thank god it hadn’t spread when I caught it. Reading some of these stories makes me realise just how lucky I was and how I need to watch my daughters skin like a hawk.
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I use this all the time when I’m teaching, it affected me greatly and I’ve seen how it has touched some of the teenagers I teach, even the “cool girls” that used to tan all the time. Very touching video
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I grew up in the tropics and out at the beach or sailing nearly every weekend of my first 18 years. I look at photos of me as a kid and I actually had a tan – me, a fair-skinned redhead. I don’t remember sunscreen being anything more than a ward again the discomfort of the red loster-state. A tan was desirable and little sunburn was a perfectly acceptable part of the process.
Fastforward 20 years, and I have a gazillion freckles and moles. Four of which have been cut out, one of which was malignant – leaving me with a massive scar/chunk out of the sole of my foot but glad to be alive. Puts the premature ageing in perspective anyhow.
Thanks for raising awareness, Lana. Slip slop slap people!
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That is really powerful. I think sun protection is so important. People make fun of my daughter and I sometimes, because we are the ones with the long sleeve shirts and big hats, who won’t go to the beach until 5pm. I don’t care, it’s worth it.
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My dad was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma at 50 which was from over exposure to sun. It started as a crusty sore on his forehead.
Before he was properly diagnosed it turned into a very vicious cancer that spread to his lymph glands, resulted in him having radiation therapy and chemo for 9 years before his body and mind finally gave up.
I get my skin checked at the end of summer every year .
I am not always as careful as I should be about applying sunscreen, this is a sad but much needed reminder for me. Thanks!
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My Dad died of melanoma cancer when he was 37, so this is a cause that is very close to my heart.
Thank you for posting, I hope this video makes people stop and think!
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Gosh he was young! so sorry for your loss.
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Thank you Mimi
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Growing up my mother was very strict on us as we had her fair english skin we would always wear rashies in the sea and zinc etc but obviously still managed to get the odd burn in summer…..as ive grown up and embraced my fair skin i love it and want to protect it as much as i can from the evil sun…i wear baby sunscreen the bananaboat brand and found that is amazing coverage and protection i wear it everyday on my arms and back of my hands and have an spf organic moisturiser for my face..i walk to work with a Parasol too…yeah i get stares bt better than having sunburn…..i remember that story on that girl Claire..who was only in her 20s and got cancer from the tanning bed and always remember how young and beautiful she was so sad…………
to have a “Tan” has always been fashionable and i think its slowly becoming less fashionable to sunbake….hopefully it is!!!!! and with the fake tan’s out there for those who still want that look at least its a safer way than baking in the sun or in a tanning bed.
I do however agree that you need some sun – about 10-15 mins daily for the vitamin D…..so i make sure i some sun!
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Lana, I have had 5 moles cut off my body and I’m only 25. I grew up in the harsh sun of far north queensland. None were malignant….yet, but three have been dysplastic.
I have to see a dermatologist once a year, and have to have my moles photographed once a year, which costs me over $300 that I can’t claim on Medicare or health insurance.
All because I loved tanning when I was a teenager. I live in fear of cancer because of the silly decisions I made back then. I have no one to blame but myself. It wasn’t even for sport, or working outside, I lay in the sun purposely between the hours of 11 and 2 in my summer holidays. I wish someone had shown me this video then. I have tears. Thank you.
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So many tears. I have had things cut off just to be sure and I put sunscreen on my face every day! But I don’t always remeber my arms! Must remember!
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We lost a boy from my high school just after his 18th birthday. He was just 16 when he was diagnosed with melanoma. Sunscreen isn’t enough of a pain in the arse to make death seem preferable.
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Along these lines it would be great if Zoe could do a review of moisturisers that include sunscreen and sunscreens.
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I use an ASEOP face moisturiser that contains SPF and its the only organic moisturiser that i have found that has spf in it as spf isnt an organic thing but they have managed to make one and its great if you use organic fair trade beauty.
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