Every May, I remind my family and friends of the dangers of too much sun exposure. Please learn from my mistakes and don’t be stupid like I was in my younger years…
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and the treatment of all types of skin cancer. If you’re suspicious of any unusual places on your skin, please get them checked out by a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist as soon as possible. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and one of the most preventable.
Runners Need to be Extra Cautious
This past November I was reminded of the added danger of prolonged sun exposure long distance runners face when my friend Tiffany added the black ribbon charm to my birthday bracelet. Each charm celebrates something I have in common with special running friends, and Tiffany’s charm choice was quite sobering as we’ve both had to deal with melanoma, the most serious and deadliest form of skin cancer.
Tips for Running Safely in the Sun
Runners must practice sun-safe habits on a regular basis, something I wish I’d done when I was younger. It took me a while, but these practices have finally become second nature to me. Please make them second nature to you!
If you’re interested in reading other posts I’ve written about my experiences with skin cancer over the last nineteen years, please visit my Skin Cancer tab where you will find:
- Tips For Running Safely In The Sun
- My Promise To My Dermatologist
- This May, Please Learn From My Mistakes
- Confessions Of A Tanning Goddess
- What To Expect At Your Full Body Check: A Visit With Dr. Ha
- Connecting The Dots
- That Odd Looking Spot Sure Doesn’t Look Like Melanoma
- Listening To My Gut Instinct Paid Off… Again
- Dear Sixteen-Year-Old Me / Dear Future Me
- Questions:
- Do you avoid being outside between 10 AM and 2 PM?
- Do you get your skin checked regularly?
- Do you use and reapply sunscreen as needed?
Yes, I avoid being outside when the sun is up. I run most days at 4:30 AM. On the weekends, I run slightly later and wear longer sleeved running shirts, capris, a hat and sunblock.
Like you, I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately it was caught early b/c I was already getting annual checks. Now I’m on the every six month plan for the next four and a half years.
I do use sunscreen. I’m curious about what brands others use and like. I don’t care for the smell of sunscreen, and definitely don’t want to smell like coconuts or bananas or anything like that.
I run at 5:30 AM and thought I run early! It’s almost completely light when we start our run this time of year, so I should consider running earlier, but I get up an hour before I run and don’t want to get up any earlier than 4:30. 😉
I have had to have s skin cancer lesion removed from my face. Not melanoma, but not pleasant, either. I do try to avoid the sun during peak times of the day, use sunscreen regularly and an SPF 15 face cream first thing every morning. Thank you so much for the skin cancer tips. Can’t have too many reminders!
Smart girl! I pretty much only buy face creams with sun protection in them these days.
I had to have Mohs surgery on my nose a few months ago so I am definitely going to be more proactive about sun safety this summer. I do not want to do that again!
It’s amazing how a scare like that can change our entire attitude. Glad you got your place taken care of!
I keep reminding myself to go to the dermatologist. I’m terrible about sun safety. I’ll be scheduling asap. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome!
[…] Wednesday – Seven Sun-Safe Habits Every Runner Should Practice […]
All helpful reminders.
I’m super fair skinned and my dermatologist is going to have my head in a few weeks as I got some color while on recent holiday despite SPF 70
Oddly staying out of the sun led to Vitamin D deficiency per my endocrinologist.
I take Vitamin D supplements for that very reason!
Just started on them, and B12
[…] serious, but like many I’m paying for prior skin damage: love how Deb put it. And follow her advice too.) I love my dermatologist and ahead of taking off this mole she gave me a bunch of surgical […]