Golf and skin cancer.........

[MSDOGS1976]

Just a reminder to all the importance of wearing sunscreen and wearing a hat, when playing golf. Three years ago I had a basal cell removed from my arm. That was not a big deal as basal cells are fairly localized and can be removed without any problem. Just had a small spot removed from my left temple and this one turned out to be a squamous cell. A notch above a basal. This kind can metastasize, but if caught early has a cure rate of 95%. Mine appears to be in this catagory.(I hope) Obviously none of us want the third one, melanoma. By the way, I almost canceled my appointment with the dermatologist as I didn't think this spot was more than an inconvenient little sore.

Below is a link to an article written by this website back in 2006, concerning sunscreen and skin cancer. A good read.

http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/sun_...on_for_golfers

[squaddie]

Thanks for the reminder. I've got my SPF-30 sunblock packed in my golf bag, mainly since I'm highly prone to sunburn.

[tim31x]

good thinking. i have had friends with skin cancer scares and things like that removed. since that i got a real shock, i always go atleast SPF 20 during the summer. when its real hot i step it up to the spf 50 sometimes. you can never be too safe.

[MSDOGS1976]

I just ordered one of these bucket hats. I never have liked these hats but this last episode has made me view things a little different.

http://www.coolibar.com/02507m.html

[dagolfer]

If you can book tee times early in the morning. I normally always tee off by 9. I only play 9 holes so by the time i am done the sun is just getting to be at it's worse. Golfing in the early morning or late evening gets you out of the intense sun and the heat isn't as bad. Just something to consider.

[Fourputt]

I always wear my Tilley Hat in the summer, plus sunscreen. The Colorado melanoma rate is 30% higher than the national average because of the altitude, so it's something I take seriously. Even now in mid February the UV index for Denver is 3, which is the beginning of the danger zone where precautions are recommended. By summer that number is much higher.

I use SPF 30. According to my wife's dermatologist anything higher is no more effective, just more expensive.

[MSDOGS1976]

If you can book tee times early in the morning. I normally always tee off by 9. I only play 9 holes so by the time i am done the sun is just getting to be at it's worse. Golfing in the early morning or late evening gets you out of the intense sun and the heat isn't as bad. Just something to consider.

Good tip. Actually when it warms up, our group usually plays by 9am. We play fast so we are through by noon. Might see if I can push it up to 8-8:30am.

[Chas]

While it is true that squamous cell cancer can be successfully treated (surgically) in a high percentage of cases, there are nonetheless those who unfortunately have a highly aggressive form that can produce local and/or distant metastases. In that case, one is often beyond the range of successful surgical or drug intervention and thus survival time is short.

I think about it any time I play on a sunny day, which is most times I play here in SoCal.

[ks8829]

I always wear long sleeves mocks and make sure I put suntan lotion on the front and back of my neck around my ears and face before I go out.

[Dub]

Thanks for the reminder.

I need to get my suncreen in order and load down my golf bag with the needed assesories.

I may even go to a larger brimmed protective hat this year, too.

[MSDOGS1976]

While it is true that squamous cell cancer can be successfully treated (surgically) in a high percentage of cases, there are nonetheless those who unfortunately have a highly aggressive form that can produce local and/or distant metastases. In that case, one is often beyond the range of successful surgical or drug intervention and thus survival time is short.

I think I need a beer.

[walk18]

That's good advice, and I'd also remind people to protect their eyes as well.

[MSDOGS1976]

I just ordered one of these bucket hats. I never have liked these hats but this last episode has made me view things a little different.

Just got the above hat today. Sure gonna take some time getting use to this look.

Oh well, I will adjust. Ordered some 50 spf sunblock online too. Actually find better deals with shipping than buying local. Crazy.

[Tallguy5656]

I found this website that specifially talks about golf, sun protection and skin cancer awareness. some good info there.

http://sunsafetee.org/

[RocketSauce]

ive had 3 removed so far. one on top of my head (had to shave the top of my head to remove it, lol), and 2 on my face so far....sucks

[LBlack14]

If you would research some more you'd find that your high# SPF's ain't doin what they're supposed to do. Most of the sun's damage is done before the age of 18.

[microcrayfish]

There happens to be a nice big ozone hole sitting right above New Zealand (I think we have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world) so I'm always careful to put on plenty of sunblock. If the sun's out in the summer here you can guarantee that the UV rating will be 11 or 12 which is at the top of the scale. I got brought up to wear sunscreen all the time when I'm outside in summer and I don't burn very easily but you can never be too careful with things like that.