Hi, I’m new to this chat and wondered if I can get some sun exposure tips for holidaying in warmer climates. I’ve just had a horrible experience on holiday in Mallorca almost exactly a year after a total neck dissection and 30 rounds of radical radiotherapy on my head and neck for salivary gland cancer that’s spread to my lymph nodes and epidermis. I thought I’d been careful wearing a factor 40 sun cream, UV neck sleeve and a cap everywhere but will admit to swimming in the sea around 3pm on the first couple of afternoons. By the second evening I couldn’t swallow at all, which was swiftly followed by the lose of my voice and the reappearance of the radiotherapy burns and fibrosis from my jaw to my collarbone. It’s completely ruined the rest of my holiday and I’d love to know how I can do more to prevent something like this happening again. It’s my 50th this year and have lots of trips planned as my future is looking very uncertain and I intend to live well while I can 
Hi Aimee76
Sorry to read if your awful experience
I was told by my oncologist to wear factor 50 for two years and avoid exposing the areas irradiated completely.
After two years 30 should be enough
I suspect your sun protection was removed by swimming
I hope you’ve managed to heal well by now
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
