Holidays and sun screen

General chat
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Hi all, I’ve just recently been diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') and I have some holidays booked this year. My treatment will be starting soon and this will be Hydroxycarbamide. I was told by the McMillan nurse that there is a risk of skin cancer with this drug (and probably others too) and advised me to use factor 50 sun screen, wear a hat at all times in the sun and a t shirt too.

Can I ask what others have experienced please? I usually walk the beach without a t shirt so I’m guessing this isn’t going to be advisable anymore.

Thank you.

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Hi @IanB I have Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') and I am not on treatment but I was advised that I would be more susceptible to skin cancer by my haematologist. I was diagnosed in 2003 but in 2016 and 2022 I have had ops for skin cancer on the top of my head and I have had minor ops for skin cancer on my face and ear over the years. I am blonde with blue eyes and now do take all precautions, but did not in my younger years.

I think it is more usual for everyone, cancers or not, to take sun precautions these days.

This is just my experience, but I thought I would let you know.

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Hi @IanB

I have a different condition but always use Factor 50 sun cream

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Thank you Erica, I’m finding my feet on this but common sense in the sun sounds like a good thing!

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Thank you Duncan, very helpful.

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Hello there @IanB, welcome to the forum. I’m really sorry to read of your Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') diagnosis, may I ask how that’s been?

It’s great that you’ve got holidays to look forward to and I think, from my non-medical perspective, it’s wise to be checking about sun protection. I’ll just put the great Blood Cancer UK information about Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') here in case you haven’t had a chance to read it: Essential thrombocythaemia | Blood Cancer UK

In 2023 I was diagnosed with Polycythaemia vera ('PV') which you may know is closely related to Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') as they are both Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'). I also take hydroxyurea and my newer haematologist emphasised how important a few things are for our skin with these Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'). Here’s the BCUK information about Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN'): What are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)? | Blood Cancer UK

I happen to live in a sunny place and really quickly noticed my skin drying out after starting hydroxyurea. Previously I had oily skin. I was told to try to stay as hydrated as possible drinking water which does help, but my skin still dries out so I’ve had to start moisturising every day. Perhaps this is something you already do, but I can’t recommend it highly enough.

For what it’s worth, every day I use a hydrating/moisturising shower gel, towel-dry gently, and then apply a high SPF moisturiser to my face, bald head, neck and forearms. I then use another moisturiser to ‘lock’ that in, usually argan oil which suits my skin. On days when I’ll be out in the sun hiking or without shade then I’ll use an SPF 50 sun lotion as well.

Believe me, I’d rather not have to do this every day but it really makes a difference and minimises how uncomfortable the sun can make my skin feel these days. It’s not sunburn but feels more like many pinpricks of discomfort on any skin that’s not been protected against the sun.

I’ve never been a sunbather so I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it would feel having that pinprick sensation all over my body—on my face or arms is bad enough! But there are plenty of sun-protective clothes with UPF available, often outdoorsy brands sell them. I’ve got a few long-sleeved tops with UPF so I can move about in the sun with less discomfort. Oh and hats and sunglasses are a must too!

I’d agree with dear @Erica about us being more susceptible to skin cancers when we already live with blood cancer. Isn’t it rubbish?! I heard the same about taking hydroxyurea and a slight increase in likelihood that we can develop skin cancer, hence my moisturising and sun lotion efforts.

Hope that helps a little @IanB, do let us know how your sun protection quest and holidays go!

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Oh and @IanB here’s a forum thread where sun protection and Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') were discussed previously that may be of interest: Sunscreen protection with high spf of 50

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Duncan, that is so kind of you to reply with such important information. I’m a Nordic walker so being outdoors is very important to me and since diagnosis a week ago, I’m very concerned that I may have to restrict my activities.

I will start my treatment in just over a weeks time so this gives me an opportunity to gather information before the journey begins.

Thanks once again, I’m sure we’ll chat again on the forum.

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Oh lovely @IanB, it’s my pleasure to offer any information that’s helpful to you. Love that you do Nordic walking, thinking of taking that up myself to strengthen my upper body.

You’ll find many here are avid walkers, and in fact Blood Cancer UK hold a Walk Of Light each year, maybe you’d like to do it once all this has sunk in. Uncannily it’s happening this weekend: Walk of Light 2026 charity walk | Blood Cancer UK

Keep us posted about how you get on, and do consider looking around the forum using the search box at the top or Related Topics below. Glad you found us here @IanB!

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Hi @IanB me again, the sun definitely has not curtailed my walking. In fact I only started walking when we were allowed a constitutional walk during Covid lockdown and I realised that I enjoyed the freedom and solitude and built it up from there.

I still take the precautions everyone should do with factor 50, water, hat and clothes etc. Now I like to do at least 20,000 steps on a walking day. It is how I feel on the day that might curtail my walking.

Perhaps just do what feels right for you.

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20,000 steps on a walking day is hugely impressive @Erica

I like you tend to take a lot of care to minimise impact of sun

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Hello @IanB

Welcome to the forum and thank you for taking time to send in your post

Like @Erica i am a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') patient on active monitoring (diagnosed 2025). I’ve not been given any advice myself, but i was blonde when born and have blue eyes so i don’t do well in the sun. I do now wear a hat (having less hair results in a burnt head) and i always keep a t shirt on.

Its fair to say no matter our circumstance its wise to protect with sunscreen regularly applied and a hat / shade etc.

Do take good care

Kind regards

Mike

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Thank you Mike, I agree that common sense prevails here regarding our connection with the sun. It just seems so unnatural at the moment to even have to consider this further. I’ve been processing all the wonderful comments on this forum and trying to piece together in my world and what I want to achieve.

It’s early days but I’m getting there, I try not to overthink things but I’ve got a million different thoughts in my head and I guess they will all shake out in due course.

Thanks again and all the best,

Ian

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I have myeloma and higher risk for skin cancer.
Advised to use factor 50 wear a hat and stay in the shade at peak times

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Hi @IanB, and a warm welcome to the forum.

You’ve found some lovely people to talk to here, and received some great advice and resources. One week on from diagnosis is very early days, and the million thoughts you mention are normal, I promise. They do tend to settle in time.

If you ever want to talk any of it through with someone from our team, our Support Line is there for exactly that kind of conversation, and is staffed by some wonderful Blood Cancer UK nurses. You can call us fofr free on 0808 2080 888 (option 1) or email support@bloodcancer.org.uk.

Keep posting whenever you need to.

Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services

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Thank you Ceri, much appreciated.

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