ET and the sun

[Camelian]

I have ET jak2 + currently only on aspirin. I've read there is a risk going in the sun? Is this related to the condition or the medication such as hydroxy? I'm going on holiday this week and just want to know what precautions I should be taking

Also I'm prescribed tinzaparin for the flight and was wondering if anyone had had any problems with this medication? eg taking it or traveling with it.

Many thanks

[clubdino]

HU does make you more susceptible to skin cancer. But I also recently read an article that stated immunocompromised people are more likely to get skin cancer and technically we are considered immunocompromised. I always wear my sunscreen and a visor. Have fun!

[Lifam]

Yes, HU has a big part of it, it's listed on it's side effects. I wear hat n sunscreen and long sleeves etc to cover myself well when in the sun, just in case.

[Ebot]

Hi. The increased risk of sun sensitivity - and therefore skin cancer - is related to Hydroxy. However, the usual precautions still apply particularly the need to keep hydrated. Enjoy your holiday!

[ourlife]

I have been living with an MPN condition for 20 years, on and off Hydroxy, and love being out it the sun, either on holiday or fishing, I have never worried about what might happen, in fact my blood counts have generally improved after a week in the sun, especially vitamin D and improved my moods, my advise is to drink more water than you usually do, use a higher factor quality sun screen, and pace yourself, after all you are an expert in you,

Good luck and have fun,

Ourlife

[catkinspolymer]

I think its just Hydroxy carbamide that's makes you supersensitive but we should all watch the sun these days .

town crier

[Ladygolf]

Hi. I am ET triple negative since 2006 and HU for 12 years. I am also a fair skinned, blue eyed blonde. I have had numerous skin cancers since starting HU and on a monthly visit schedule to dermatologist. Every month I get sprayed in numerous places including the top of my head with liquid nitrogen to treat pre cancerous growths. My hematologist dismissed my question about the connection between sun and HU but from my own research I know HU is the cause. For the last 5 years I have worn long sleeves, a large hat, two golf gloves, sunglasses and 70 sun screen and avoid the sun completely when not golfing. My dermatologist agrees with me that HU has made my skin much more sensitive to the sun and skin cancers. My advice is to pass on sun bathing, use at least a 50 sunscreen all over and wear a hat even if you have thick hair. You can still enjoy your holiday while being protected from the sun.

[hunter5582]

If you are aspirin only then there should be no increased risk of sun exposure due to JAK2 ET. There is increased risk if you take hydroxyurea. You may want to look into the implications of JAK2+ status and increased inflammatory cytokine load. Has a lot to do with secondary symptoms we experience per current research.

[Aneliv9]

I take just aspirin but mu Heam advised me two things: 1.5lt of water and always sunscreen

[Camelian]

Thanks to everyone that replied to my question. I can relax now and enjoy my holiday and the sun- with sun cream on of course.