TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin St Martin Beach Life and Skin Cancer

My wife and I have loved visiting St Martin over the last several years, spending much of our time at Orient Beach enjoying the sunshine, but this year we're nervous. Over the last year we've both had basal cell carcinoma diagnoses despite doing what we believed were all the prudent things...SPF 30 sunscreen and staying under the beach umbrellas during the peak solar hours. Was wondering how many folks continue visiting St Martin beaches after the dreaded skin cancer diagnosis? And if you continue going, what steps do you take to prevent further skin damage?

I've had numerous non malignant basal cell carcinoma growths removed. Still do the same as before. Use sunscreen when I feel like it and don't give it another thought. Most damage is done in your youth years. Hard to correct whats already done.

Exactly

Same with me Scubaman - a few on my nose and face over the years and even one on my arm where the sun less likely to reach - solution, if any, cover up during peek hours 10am - 3pm or so, SPF 30+ - lots of shade -if only we knew better as youths - <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

We still go to SXM even though hubby has had basil cell cases. We use speciality clothing for sun protection and 70 grade sunscreen but don't sit directly in sun. Sears stores carry Lands End (or order directly) with SPF and Ultra protection. So does R.E.I. stores.

Just returned Saturday from a 2 week stay.

My problems have a stemmed from a childhood spent running around all summer with no hat, no sleeves if I had a shirt on.
Yes, SPF at least 30 and replenish if you go in the water or you've had it on for a few hours. But, most of all, regular checkups by a good Dermatologist.

Add me to the Clib. "Almost" 65. Have had Basel sell carcinoma removed from my mid back... Many pre cancerous removals. SPF 50 on bald head and face every day. No matter the weather and SPF 50 shirts always....looking Fwd to precautions trip 4/19-29/17. Be wise and enjoy

I've just had the same diagnosis. In fact I have my first post diagnosis visit April 15 and land in St Martin May 6. I have told myself it won't change how I visit. I thought I was just being cavalier but now I find others feel the same way. Makes me feel a little better. Thanks to all of you.

I have many scars from removal of both basal and squamous cell cancers. Have had MOHS surgery three times over the past 15 years. This surgery is done for cancers above the neck and usually by a doctor with plastic surgery skills. Have had the top of one ear removed, a portion of my left jaw and the center of my forehead worked on in the past. The doctor removes a sampling of skin cells, immediately checks it for cancer cells as you wait, and either stitches you or removes more. Continues until it is clear of cancer. I am told to bring lunch with me in case it takes several hours. I always use 30SPF, but my doc told me the majority of the damage took place in my youth. I even bought the lotion they sold at the doctors office and when my next visit yielded more cancer spots, my doctor said, "I guess it doesn't work." My mom used baby oil on my skin, not realizing that it intensified the suns rays on my skin. I just had some squamous cancer removed from my shoulder and am sporting 8 stitches. Hope it heals before we travel soon to SXM. I sit under the umbrella, wear a hat, etc. but I should have done that 60 years ago!

My husband who has had 2 basil cell(on ears) and squama cell carcinomas now wears a hat with a wider brim in the pool and around the beach. We stay in the shade and move as the sun moves. We noticed this year at the Royal Palm where we spend 3 weeks, that more and more people have discarded baseball hats, and are wearing wider brim hats. Then we enjoy and truly love being in SXM. Plenty of #30 sunscreen, for sure. His sunny summers in CT as a child aren't a detriment anymore.

I just had a squamous cell cancer removed from my ankle and Mohs surgery to get what the original removal missed. Sunscreen, a big hat and sitting under an umbrella have been regular practice for me for the last 30 years. (I'm late 60s.). I'll probably be more diligent with reapplying sun screen on my legs now, because I've been more focused on face and upper body. And be more diligent on sun screen on my lower legs when I'm gardening, etc.

I had to postpone the Mohs surgery because of my 2 week trip SXM, because the original spot had healed and I wanted to be able to swim. When I explained that to the dermatology surgeon, she said she understood and we swapped stories about the joys of beach vacations. I figured it was a good sign that the doctor who removes skin cancer spots continues to like beach vacations!

My wife has had numerous basal cell carcinomas removed. We both use SPF 30. She has a wide brim hat and sits under an umbrella pretty much the whole time we are at Club O for our yearly one week visit.

Hubby hated to put sun screen on face--didn't like the feel. Tried every brand finally likes LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral . Looks like milk feels like water and not a creamy mess on face.

Always remember, even the slightest tan is damaged skin. People with very dark skin color can also get skin cancer.

I have learned to not lay in the sun, and accepted the fact that my fair skin is not going to tan. The best thing I can recommend for face is sun block in a stick form, that's the fist thing I put on and if I put on any other sunblock or makeup, it doesn't melt into my eyes and sting.

Appreciate everyone's counsel, advice and wisdom! Thank you!