Skin cancer and hydroxyurea

[Skater69]

I have just started taking Hydroxyurea and have a question about outdoor activities. In the past I enjoyed golfing and going to the beach. I always use sunscreen and wear a hat. I am fair and have worried about skin cancer. Did you give up the outdoor activities?

[hunter5582]

You are correct that there is an increased risk of dermal cancers when on HU. I did not give up outdoor activities when I was on HU. I did get more cautious about exposure to the sun. Hats - shirts - sunscreen with max PDF - etc. There is no point to stopping doing what you love, just be reasonable in what you expose yourself to.

[PhilReade]

Hi there I’ve been on hydroxycarbamide since August 2015 I’m on 1500 mg a day I’ve had skin rash on my forehead and tried steroid creams times 5 nothing gets rid of it I have on parts of my body nowI’m olive skinned and love the sun I’ve always used sunscreen but now my consultant has said they would do a skin biopsy

Just be careful wear your hat and cover up when doing your sports

[GK40]

I'm sure I read on here that there was no known link between the 2....it was on another post of someone asking the same thing....

[Orangeboykitty]

It's not just HU that promotes non-melanoma skin cancer, it's also Jakafi and basically any chemo drug. I live in southern Israel where the sun blazes spring, summer and fall. I couldn't tolerate HU at all, but was on Jakafi for about a year, which was concerning for me. I then switched to Pegasys and now Besremi. Those meds don't promote skin cancer. Now I still wear a hat and cover up after about 20 minutes of sun exposure (need some Vitamin D!), although I'm not really fair and don't burn easily. BTW - I absolutely hate sunscreen and won't wear it. Would much rather cover up.

[Ebot]

Hi. Just to add to the comments above. I see you live in the States. Check out a company called Coolibar. They do an extensive range of sun protection clothing and much of it is aimed at sports / outdoors enthusiasts (though there are some smart casual / workwear ranges too). It’s not cheap but the fabrics with built in sun protection are high quality. I too hate sunscreen and would rather cover up. Definitely don’t stop exercising and doing something you love!

[Tigger59]

Hi, I had a malignant melanoma removed about 9 year ago. I am 62 and consultant started me on Hydroxy last September. I asked about the risk of skin cancer and he assured me that the risk is very low and that as long as I take the proper precautions, as you are doing, there is no need to give up your outdoor lifestyle.

[Mostew]

Enjoy being outside as everyone said , with hat etc… Are you taking vit d? Plus see what your level is so you can judge strength needed.

[Pte82]

Skater69, look for sunscreens containing Delta tocotrienol from annatto. It offers topical benefits and internal too worth checking out for radiation protection in addition to others.

[Graham_uk]

Hi I have been on hydroxy for over 2 years now and to be honest It had not had any real affect on outdoor activities. I get tired easier but adapt with a power nap Obviously be careful of the sun hope this helps

[Scottishterrier]

Hi skater69I got told to wear factor 50 and sunglasses a baseball hat limit time you are in the sun make sure good amount on face and arms and legs

Stay safe

Best wishes

Scottish terrier xxx

[Borage]

I avoid the sun when it is bright, wear a shady hat and long sleeves, and take Vitamin D. I am on hydroxy.It is not so much the risk of cancer as the patches of brown staining which bother me. It is not like a sun tan as it doesn’t fade.

With the amount of rain we get, perhaps it is rust!

[Janis12]

Hi, I have ET and have taken Hydroxy for 2 years. I am an outdoor girl being a regular cyclist, walker, equine person and I am also fair skinned. I still wanted to wear my cycling shorts in summer and lets face it if you are carrying out an activity which makes you sweat you do not want to be completely encased in clothing. So I use factor 50 sun screen every day, all year round. The brand I use is P20 and lasts for 10 hours so there is no inconvenience of having to reapply. I do get sunscreen on prescription but its white so you can see it and also has to be reapplied every two hours so I only use that when I am in and around my home area. I wear a sun hat in the summer when out walking or gardening which I bought from an outdoor pursuits shop so it looks quite stylish. There is a range of clothing that provides UV protection but to be honest for the cost I think it is going over the top a bit. I live in the north of England so not exactly 'sun mecca' of the world and because of that I also take Vit D all year to compensate for the sun block (get that on prescription also). There is no way I would consider giving up my outdoor activities for this blood condition and it's treatment, keeping fit is essential and not just physically but also for our mental health. Get out there and enjoy life, good luck.

[Mujer]

Avoid direct sunlight where possible but otherwise wear a hat with a brim and light clothing making sure to cover arms and legs. Factor 50 or above is best for your face and make sure to cover your toes if wearing open sandals. I burned my toes quite badly last year hence the warning. Please don’t give up your golf but avoid lying in direct sun on the beach. Hope this helps and best wishes

[Lemonverbena]

hi skater, have been on hu for 11 years now at ever increasing doses ( 2 g currently), have fair skin and alot of moles. i love gardening. so yes factor 50 plus sunscreen - need to invest in a few and find one you like, hat , clothing and avoid the peak of sun radiation - dont go out in the midday sun though here these days 2 pm is often hotter.

i had a mm stage 1 on my knee a couple of years ago , but no link with melonomas and hu seemed to exist. a couple of near misses with others.

i did a short online course to learn about skin cancer and how to spot them/ how to protect yourself and keep a close eye. maybe an annual skin check if have lots of moles like me?

but definately dont stop going outdoors and enjoying activities.

[JP-52]

Hi skater I have been on Hydrox now for 2 years and have fair skin and enjoy outdoor activities walking,running and watching outdoor live sport etc . Just after I was diagnosed I invested in a cross trainer that I have in my garage which enables me to keep up my cardiovascular fitness all year around without needing to be out and about as much as i used to which works for me. Overall though I don't let my PV stop me doing anything I want to do I just try and make sure I wear a hat and use high factor sun cream when the suns out and I try to not spend too much time in the sun at its hottest. My approach is to be sensible and continue to enjoy doing the things I love because keeping fit is really important for your overall health and wellbeing.