Young with multiple BCC's

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read that you've just been diagnosed with another BCC and I can understand how fed up you must feel having had three in five years.

I held back from replying to you as I'm neither in my 20s nor had multiple BCCs but I noticed that no one had come forward yet. 

Unfortunately the only known way to prevent further BCCs is to be extremely careful in the sun. When I was diagnosed with melanoma I was given the following as a guide which would also apply to you:

• Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
• When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
• Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
• Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
• Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
• Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
• Never use sunbeds
• Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining!

I leave a hat permanently in the car so if I forget to take one with me I know I'll have one. Leaving a tube of sunscreen in the glove compartment is a good idea too.

A couple of years ago I went to Australia to visit my sister and I still went on the beach and swam in the sea. However, instead of sitting in the sun, I stayed in the shade and I only went in the sea for a short time. Ironically it's easier going on holiday somewhere like that because nearly everyone covers up as they're so aware of the damage the sun can do, so I didn't feel a freak in long trousers and a hat!

When you have a minute, it would be really useful if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Do you have a date for your excision yet?

x

Hi

I've just popped in to see how you're doing and if you have a date yet for your BCC removal?

x