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BCC and protection

Tamorin55
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 177 views

Hi,

I had a bcc diagnosis almost 5 years ago and very fortunately have been physically ok since ,mentally on the other hand has been extremely difficult. My question is early summer morning walks when sun is extremely bright around 7-8am duration of walk 45-55mins UV level is always under 1 I have bad skin reactions to all sunscreen so I wear a solbari traveller hat with a tacavasen hoodie underneath to shield sides of face and UV 400 sunglasses and jeans is this enough or should I abandon these walks as it is increasing risk conflicting information even on low UV exposure is distressing me greatly, very grateful for any advice.

  • Good morning Tamorin55

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Helen and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists here on the Macmillan support line.

    I’m sorry to read you are struggling mentally following your diagnosis of BCC and you’re now at the point of considering whether you should abandon your summer morning walks.

    As we are a general cancer information and support service and haven’t access to people’s medical records, we are unable to provide individual advice through this platform. However, I hope you find the Macmillan sun safety guide and the British Association of Dermatology guide on BCC and sun safety helpful. Both of these guides recommend to make use of shade between 11am -3pm. It would be such a shame if you were to abandon your morning walks as they are likely to bring you benefit to both your physical and mental health.

    It sounds like you’re taking positive steps to protect yourself from the sun as best you can. I’m sorry you have bad skin reactions to sunscreen. It can be challenging to find a suitable product for your skin. You may find it helpful to seek some advice from a Boots Macmillan information pharmacist or your GP.

    It's understandable your current situation is having an impact on your emotional wellbeing and mental health. It’s important to seek advice from your GP if your mental health is declining. There are other avenues of support which you can find here.

    You may find it helpful to reach out to others who have been through or going through a similar situation to yourself. It looks like you haven’t joined the Macmillan skin cancer forum. It’s a welcoming safe space where you can seek support from others affected by skin cancer.

    It may also be helpful to speak to us so we can better understand your situation and discuss what support would be best for you. It can provide you with an opportunity to ask us questions and have a listening ear at the end of the line.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Helen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/HeP/KS

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