skin cancer, preventing...

[Bassman]

I have not given much thought to taking preventative measures to avoid skin cancer. I'm going to a dermatologist Monday to have a small spot looked at on my forearm that has not healed over 6 months or so. I would hope he will remove it. Any spots or bumps I've had in the past would always go away over time on there own. Not this one though.
I would like to be around to see my son graduate high school in a few years,(then college), and live to a ripe old age. I think most guys don't pay too much attention to this problem, (like me until now). What precautions do those of you who are smart and are concerned about this problem in our line of business take? I'm sure I'll get an ear full from the good doctor next week but was wondering what you guys know about this.
Thanks much.

[eggy]

Cant say I am very smart about prevention. Seems year after year I say to myself put on sunscreen, however day after day out the door without any, my skin is like leather it seems after years outside. We all need to go for the sunscreen.

[Bassman]

Eggy,

I'm in the same boat, I always think about sunscreen but never seem to take the time. Also long sleeve shirts but it is so damn hot I don't want to work in one. Boom, out of the drive in the A.M. and just wanting to get started making the $$ every day. I have done a little research and it appears that most forms of bumps or spots from exposure to the sun are very rarely of the metastisizing type. Not life threatning at any point. They may eventually become disfiguring to a degree though.
I just don't like the idea of a bump that never heals over several months so am getting rid of it. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for your reply.

[Lobster]

Bass Man,
I grew up at a time when the sooner you got your summer burn, the better because this would prevent you from burning again all summer. There was a time when people would slather up with baby oil to improve there tan. Even now when I have a chance to visit the beach, some are still doing this. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better. Now at least they have 'sport sunscreens' that are designed for use by people who are active in the sun. This product holds up better when you sweat etc.. Need to apply more then once a day, but even if you apply it once a day, that is better then nothing. Limit, (ha, ha), working from the hours of 11AM - 2PM, as this is generally the hotest, brightest time of the day. Dress in lightweight, light colored, long sleeve shirts, and long pants. Wear a hat and sunglasses that are rated to block UV rays. I'm sure there is more, but we all know this, it's a matter of practicing this.

Lobster

[turfquip]

Make it (sunscreen) a part of your daily routine. I keep a tube of banana boat in the truck and apply it before leaving the truck. I had a customer a few years ago that was a retired railroad worker. Skin cancer on the tops of his ears required surgery and major reconstruction...not a pretty site.

Bottom line: Wear a hat, apply sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF every morning. Ears, nose, back of neck are especially vulnerable.

[Bassman]

Enlightning how many of us in this biz don't take precautions for various things. I now wear ear plugs when operating mower. I can't believe I went as long as I did with the decibal level of high H.P. ZTR's and not protecting my hearing. Same thing with sun glasses or protective eye wear, didn't bother for a long time but after ongoing problems with debris hitting face/getting in eyes, I do now.
I think I will definately take the time for sunscreen.

Now I just have to work on that sweet time after a hot, profitable hard days work is over when the ice cold beer tastes sooooo good and a few smokes to go with them, (add pretty lady & mix well).

[lawnboy82]

one thing i have noticed is that sometimes during the season is that i get cracks in my fingers. right in the tips. any of you guys get this? it hurts just enough to be annoying sometimes, and sometimes it bleeds.

[Mark]

I have to go next month and get a spot removed to be tested, I have been using 45spf everyday, after taking a morning shower i always put on my sunblock. But for many yrs i never used it. Hope my test are good. Just get in the habbit like brushing your teeth,or put a postit on the mirror to remind you in the mornings, PUT ON SUNBLOCK Marks Mowing Service

[geogunn]

I have just had my first biopsy on a spot on my forearm. came back OK, but it was sobering. it's spf-45 now most days. besides, you still tan but you don't burn.

I always do spf-45 when I am on the boat. I keep a bottle of dishwashing detergent in the boat to wash my hands before handling any lures. I also use a fish atractant odor to mask the possibility of the sunscreen getting on the lure.

GEO

[R & J LAWN]

WHEN I USE SUNSCRENE IT IS LIKE PUTING BASTING OIL
ON. I WILL BURN EVERY TIME NO MATER HOW LONG I HAVE
BEEN OUT. ALWAYS WERE A WIDE BRIM HAT (NOT A CAP)
AND SUNGLASES.

[Mark]

Hey GEO i always got the lure atractant on my propole seat. Use it in every tournaments i fish, I use to fish two clubs TNT Tournament TRAIL 2 tournaments a month at Rocky Point on the Ohio River close the Louisville. But haven't had time the last two yrs,sure miss the challange. Marks Mowing Service ps i will try and fish the MDA tourny in August it usually pulls in around 200plus boats at 110 a team and 10grand for 1st.

[MOW ED]

Prevention is wise but there are a few variables that can't be prevented.
The experts (Dermatologists,Docs.)say that if you have had a blistering sunburn before you were 18 your chances of skin cancer is higher than normal.
Some people have a natural tendance to develop some type of cancer. Obviously, our jobs put us where we can't help but be exposed to high UV indexes. Bassmans (Florida) is higher than mine (Wisconsin) and everyones body reacts differently. Fair skinned people (freckles and blonde hair) have a higher chance of developing skin cancer, but doesn't mean their going to. You all must know someone who can get a tremendous tan and never get skin cancer.
The best you can do is become educated and do as much for prevention that you can without becoming obsessive. You can't work in Florida in a full body suit because you are afraid of possibly getting skin cancer. Its the same as not eating meat because you might have a heart attack.
Everything in moderation. Remember, you may think you have control over your life but when the Man above says its time, thats it. Enjoy your families and have fun.

The best you can do is what Bassman is doing. Get yearly checks and in between, monitor yourself.

[1MajorTom]

Bassman,

Just bringing this to the top. It's been awhile, and I was kinda wondering what the doctor said when you went.

I just had a small freckle removed from my stomach area. I felt that it didn't look right. Well he took one look at it and asked if I would mind if he removed it. My eyes got real big, and I asked him if it really was that bad.

He said he was pretty much sure that it was ok, but he couldn't say with 100% confidence.

Well, I'm pretty much a big baby. I thought it was going to hurt, but once he gave me a shot to numb the area, I survived. ;)

I got my results back last week, and although he said it was benign, he did say it was atypical. So I'm glad I had it removed, and it really has me cautious about my skin now.

Hope everything turned out good for you too Bassman. :)

[mdb landscaping]

my neighbor works for a dermatologist. she almost flipped out when i told her i didnt where sunscreen. i hate that stuff. it stinks and you feel all goopy with it on when you sweat. skin cancer runs high in the family, so i should take prevention. the neighbor made me an appt to come in for a check up. they recommend landscapers and lifeguards take spf 65. i didnt even know it went that high. she said its the "good stuff".

[Allyn]

No sun screen, but I have a hat that covers way over my ears, the bill is about 8 inches in front. It has a tail that goes past my shoulders in the back.

Long pants, and a sleeve of my shirt goes to the elbows.
Other than the nose, the ears are the worst place for skin cancer. I have heard that the worst thing you can do is use a base ball cap. It dones not cover the ears and that is a big problem.

Went down the Colorado river with this hat and sunscreen on my nose. Everone else got burned. I didn't even brown. Was fine with me.

I also have a beard. That also helps with the sun.

Allyn:blob3: :blob2:

[greenflag]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I thought this was an important thread to bring back.

I had a spot removed from my right forearm yesterday. They are doing a biopsy on it. I'm waiting.....

I also found out that your sunburn today can be your skin cancer 20 years from now.

Skin cancer is something someone else gets, right?

In any case use sunscreen. I ran out, & used some of my little girl's "BullFrog" That stuff works great! It is tuff to wash off with soap & water.

The dermatologist also told me it is best to allow ten minutes for the sunscreen to bond before sweating or swimming.

Bottom line is: I've never seen a hearse pulling a lawn trailer. :)


Be safe & Happy mowing!

Garry

[ADMowing]

We use sunscreen -- at least I do. It is difficult to get my husband to put it on. So, I bought him the spray type because it is easier to apply and quicker. He does use that when I nag him. His skin seems to be more sensitive than mine too! Wear sunscreen lipsaver too -- SPF30.

I don't wear a hat (too hot), but do wear sunscreen on ears, face, neck, arms and spray some on my hair. It actually makes me feel a little cooler. SPF45 lasts us the whole time we're out there in a day -- no burning at all. Seen lots of skin cancer here in Florida, so we try to take precautions. We get a nice farmers tan every year :D :D

We wear ear protection, eye protection (safety sunglasses) and arborist safety gear when doing that type of work, too! We also have been wearing dust masks since it's been so dry. I'm a stickler for safety! But.... my husband cut his leg with a chain saw anyway in January -- it was his last cut with the tree on the ground. I think he was just tired. That's another story by itself! So, I guess even when trying to be careful -- *stuff* happens! So, we do need to be careful out there!!!

[SLS]

I know some of the other guys laugh when they see me out mowing but I always wear long sleeved khaki shirts and long cammo fatigues...and jump boots. And a wide brimmed straw hat along with some serious sunglasses and safety glasses.

After seeing a favorite uncle get skin cancer (and die) I'm a believer. It was so advanced that there was nothing the doctors could do. He died with his moles bleeding.

Cover up, guys and gals...skin cancer is not pretty. :(

[Smartgene]

Excellent thread and very relevant to the "do you like your location thread". I am reluctant to go to FLa or AZ for these very reasons. Once again, I'm drawn to the burbs of Philly. How is California where the UV rays are concerned?