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St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer #126398
04/04/2017 05:46 PM
04/04/2017 05:46 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Sun4MnM Offline OP
Traveler
Sun4MnM  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
My wife and I have loved visiting St Martin over the last several years, spending much of our time at Orient Beach enjoying the sunshine, but this year we're nervous. Over the last year we've both had basal cell carcinoma diagnoses despite doing what we believed were all the prudent things...SPF 30 sunscreen and staying under the beach umbrellas during the peak solar hours. Was wondering how many folks continue visiting St Martin beaches after the dreaded skin cancer diagnosis? And if you continue going, what steps do you take to prevent further skin damage?

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Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Sun4MnM] #126399
04/04/2017 06:00 PM
04/04/2017 06:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
I've had numerous non malignant basal cell carcinoma growths removed. Still do the same as before. Use sunscreen when I feel like it and don't give it another thought. Most damage is done in your youth years. Hard to correct whats already done.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: SXMScubaman] #126400
04/04/2017 06:08 PM
04/04/2017 06:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Quote
Most damage is done in your youth years. Hard to correct whats already done.


Exactly

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: SXMScubaman] #126401
04/04/2017 06:17 PM
04/04/2017 06:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460
île staten
Bobcat Offline
Traveler
Bobcat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460
île staten
Same with me Scubaman - a few on my nose and face over the years and even one on my arm where the sun less likely to reach - solution, if any, cover up during peek hours 10am - 3pm or so, SPF 30+ - lots of shade -if only we knew better as youths - <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />


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Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Bobcat] #126402
04/04/2017 06:43 PM
04/04/2017 06:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
Traveler
RonDon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
We still go to SXM even though hubby has had basil cell cases. We use speciality clothing for sun protection and 70 grade sunscreen but don't sit directly in sun. Sears stores carry Lands End (or order directly) with SPF and Ultra protection. So does R.E.I. stores.

Just returned Saturday from a 2 week stay.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Sun4MnM] #126403
04/04/2017 06:57 PM
04/04/2017 06:57 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
Traveler
RI Bob C  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
My problems have a stemmed from a childhood spent running around all summer with no hat, no sleeves if I had a shirt on.
Yes, SPF at least 30 and replenish if you go in the water or you've had it on for a few hours. But, most of all, regular checkups by a good Dermatologist.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: RI Bob C] #126404
04/04/2017 07:05 PM
04/04/2017 07:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
jollymonsrv Offline
Traveler
jollymonsrv  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,772
So. Shore MA.
Add me to the Clib. "Almost" 65. Have had Basel sell carcinoma removed from my mid back... Many pre cancerous removals. SPF 50 on bald head and face every day. No matter the weather and SPF 50 shirts always....looking Fwd to precautions trip 4/19-29/17. Be wise and enjoy

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: RI Bob C] #126405
04/04/2017 07:15 PM
04/04/2017 07:15 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 29
Michigan
R
rasmig Offline
Traveler
rasmig  Offline
Traveler
R
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 29
Michigan
I've just had the same diagnosis. In fact I have my first post diagnosis visit April 15 and land in St Martin May 6. I have told myself it won't change how I visit. I thought I was just being cavalier but now I find others feel the same way. Makes me feel a little better. Thanks to all of you.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: rasmig] #126406
04/04/2017 09:03 PM
04/04/2017 09:03 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
Traveler
biglar  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
I have many scars from removal of both basal and squamous cell cancers. Have had MOHS surgery three times over the past 15 years. This surgery is done for cancers above the neck and usually by a doctor with plastic surgery skills. Have had the top of one ear removed, a portion of my left jaw and the center of my forehead worked on in the past. The doctor removes a sampling of skin cells, immediately checks it for cancer cells as you wait, and either stitches you or removes more. Continues until it is clear of cancer. I am told to bring lunch with me in case it takes several hours. I always use 30SPF, but my doc told me the majority of the damage took place in my youth. I even bought the lotion they sold at the doctors office and when my next visit yielded more cancer spots, my doctor said, "I guess it doesn't work." My mom used baby oil on my skin, not realizing that it intensified the suns rays on my skin. I just had some squamous cancer removed from my shoulder and am sporting 8 stitches. Hope it heals before we travel soon to SXM. I sit under the umbrella, wear a hat, etc. but I should have done that 60 years ago!

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: rasmig] #126407
04/04/2017 09:20 PM
04/04/2017 09:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 458
, CT USA
toothdoc Offline
Traveler
toothdoc  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 458
, CT USA
My husband who has had 2 basil cell(on ears) and squama cell carcinomas now wears a hat with a wider brim in the pool and around the beach. We stay in the shade and move as the sun moves. We noticed this year at the Royal Palm where we spend 3 weeks, that more and more people have discarded baseball hats, and are wearing wider brim hats. Then we enjoy and truly love being in SXM. Plenty of #30 sunscreen, for sure. His sunny summers in CT as a child aren't a detriment anymore.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: toothdoc] #126408
04/04/2017 10:26 PM
04/04/2017 10:26 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 333
S
StMartinFan Offline
Traveler
StMartinFan  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 333
I just had a squamous cell cancer removed from my ankle and Mohs surgery to get what the original removal missed. Sunscreen, a big hat and sitting under an umbrella have been regular practice for me for the last 30 years. (I'm late 60s.). I'll probably be more diligent with reapplying sun screen on my legs now, because I've been more focused on face and upper body. And be more diligent on sun screen on my lower legs when I'm gardening, etc.

I had to postpone the Mohs surgery because of my 2 week trip SXM, because the original spot had healed and I wanted to be able to swim. When I explained that to the dermatology surgeon, she said she understood and we swapped stories about the joys of beach vacations. I figured it was a good sign that the doctor who removes skin cancer spots continues to like beach vacations!

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Sun4MnM] #126409
04/05/2017 03:32 AM
04/05/2017 03:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 406
Near Chicago
LovesSXM Offline
Traveler
LovesSXM  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 406
Near Chicago
My wife has had numerous basal cell carcinomas removed. We both use SPF 30. She has a wide brim hat and sits under an umbrella pretty much the whole time we are at Club O for our yearly one week visit.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: LovesSXM] #126410
04/05/2017 07:36 AM
04/05/2017 07:36 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
Traveler
RonDon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
Hubby hated to put sun screen on face--didn't like the feel. Tried every brand finally likes LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral . Looks like milk feels like water and not a creamy mess on face.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Sun4MnM] #126411
04/05/2017 10:02 AM
04/05/2017 10:02 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 252
M
mmk Offline
Traveler
mmk  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 252
Always remember, even the slightest tan is damaged skin. People with very dark skin color can also get skin cancer.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: Sun4MnM] #126412
04/05/2017 04:18 PM
04/05/2017 04:18 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 771
P
phillygirl7 Offline
Traveler
phillygirl7  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 771
I have learned to not lay in the sun, and accepted the fact that my fair skin is not going to tan. The best thing I can recommend for face is sun block in a stick form, that's the fist thing I put on and if I put on any other sunblock or makeup, it doesn't melt into my eyes and sting.

Re: St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer [Re: phillygirl7] #126413
04/06/2017 07:23 PM
04/06/2017 07:23 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Sun4MnM Offline OP
Traveler
Sun4MnM  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 255
Texas
Appreciate everyone's counsel, advice and wisdom! Thank you!


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