I think most of us missed (1) of Teslinhiker,s comments, about missing the signs and frequent checkups.... I've had 3 basal cell and 1 squamous cell surgically removed, and the protocol for malignant melanoma less than 5mm is just surgery. I've lived in Florida since 1955, and worked college summers in a chemical refining plant that produced yellow phosphorous. My first basal cell showed up on the top of my ear(not protected by a baseball cap) when I was in my early 40's... a scab that did not heal...typically they show up as shiny bumps (mine on forehead and neck)... the squamous looked like a wart on my left forearm.... the most dangerous is melanoma, typically irreguarly shaped (not symmetrical), multi colored brown/black possibly red, larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser... seek a good dermatologist if you have a suspicious looking mark especially if it changes shape... regards Les

Teslinhiker....best of luck... I know what it's like waiting for the biopsy to come back...

Good advice, Teslin_. I'm in the big-hat-and-long-sleeves camp since I burn easily. Maybe I need to add sunscreen for face and hands.

Your news is enough to unnerve anyone. Here's hoping for a good outcome.

The original Ten Essentials developed by the Mountaineers of Seattle Washington, included sun protection. Their main focus was on sunglasses since alpine travel in snowy conditions can result in temporary blindness ("snow blindness"), but their category was "sun protection" not sun glasses and sun screen, Chapstick, clothing, etc. is appropriate to include.

People look at me funny when I wear long sleeves and long pants in the summer but both my grandfather and my father had skin cancer. I like my wide brimmed hat just fine, thank you.

On whatever list in whatever order, sun protection and sun screen in particular are essential.

HJ

**The Original 10 Essentials**
- Map (topographic)
- Compass
- Light (headlamp or flashlight)
- Sun protection (hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, Chapstick, etc.)
- Extra food & water
- Extra clothing
- Matches (or lighter or fire steel or sparker)
- Firestarter (tinder) -- e.g. Tinder Qwick, Wet Fire, Vaseline cotton balls, candle, etc.
- Knife
- FAK

I've generally stopped using lip balm, and just apply the sunscreen to my lips. Minimally noticeable taste with some; none with others. I may be running somewhat more of a risk with becoming sensitized and developing an allergy to the ingredients, but so far, so good.
Bottom line is, the lips are a frequent site for the various skin cancers to show up; protection there with sun-screen is better than the the lip balm that you don't have. It's also one less thing to buy/pack/carry.

Hmm. Does it stay on well? I suppose there's no way to determine its effectiveness over time without some kind of research.

The Chapstick brand lip balm that I use is SPF 30 and seems to stay on reasonably well. It also prevents chapping which can be a pain in the neck to deal with. Again, though, I have no research available to me that indicates how long the sunscreen component remains functioning. I reapply frequently.

Good idea to use sunscreen if you forget/lose the chapstick.

HJ

I'm EDCing the Sawyer Premium Sunblock with Insect Repellent. Found it at the local REI (http://www.rei.com/product/785882) - pen sized, spray action. Very versatile and proven effective in both functions. The only disadvantage compared to a chapstick - can't use it as a fire starter (hmm, actually I never tried to use it on tinder).

Wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt, and long pants are my standard hiking outfit all seasons.

There are many other '10 essentials lists' - fun to look up

In my 100% Non-Hypothetical Kit that I've developed over the years as a result of being a rural fire/rescue guy who is also fire police, Sun Screen and Chapstick are right up there with water in terms of importance.

Interesting link - http://www.drbriffa.com/2008/06/16/bmj-e...gnant-melanoma/

Personally, I get as much sun exposure as I can.

In sunny, hot conditions a wide, full brimmed hat is very important. Ball caps don't cut it.