Does Skin Cancer Come up in Conversations?

We asked the community, "Did skin cancer come up in any holiday conversations?" We received a wide variety of answers - thank you for sharing with us! Someone out there can relate to the experience you shared, and it helps them to know they are not alone!

Here are the types of responses we received:

Yes, skin cancer does come up

And here's how...

Because I just had treatment

Many times skin cancer will pop up in conversation due to a recent diagnosis, surgery or other procedure. While many people like to discuss these events with those who are close to them, others do not. Your level of privacy is your decision!

"Yes, I had a squamous cell removed 12/18/19, my second occurrence of SC. My first squamous cell was removed 12/18/18. The holidays kept me so busy that I didn’t have much time to think about it. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year! 😊"

"Yes, procedures and follow-ups around the holidays. BUT, I saw a huge billboard on our way to Arizona, stating in big, bold letters, “Skin Cancer Can Kill.” Almost couldn’t believe it!"

"Yes...since having melanoma recently removed from my leg. I have a pretty impressive 6.5 inch scar down my thigh."

"Yes. My husband and I both had places taken off during the holidays. Mine was squamous and his was basal. We’ve had too many to count. We always talk to our kids about this. They are both so much better about staying out of the sun than we were. They are both very fair-skinned like me."

Because I bring it up

Whether it's to get something off their chest, promote awareness, or just to chat about recent life activity, many community members bring up the topic of skin cancer themselves.

"I mention it always!!!! Not only holidays! Yes it is real and does kill. Here is a picture of my son who passed from melanoma from a mole in 2013!"

"Yes, told my best friend I have 2 more that will need biopsied on the 7th. I’ve already had 27 removed"

"Actually, yes. My cousin invited me to visit her in Arizona and mentioned that I might want to go golfing. I said probably not, as I've had to have 7 skin cancers removed, so I tend not to spend much time in the sun."

"I keep my family updated on my melanoma checkups. I remind family and friends that I will be active person despite 5 ops. It's a wonderful life!"

Because my family brings it up

Sometimes our families are in our business whether we want them to be or not! We believe it's because they care! Some family members asked questions about a skin cancer status or made related comments.

"My son says I make his baby, my granddaughter, smell like sunscreen."

"Yes, the subject comes up as in, "you still healthy?" Meaning, have you had any further cancers removed? Between melanoma, BCC and SCC, I'm a walking scar! Alive though, thanks to some awesome doctors!"

"Only that my mother thinks I look good in hats. (I'm still hiding the bald spot and healing incision from my scalp MOHS)"

"Yes, because we are visiting family in Australia where they are very skin cancer conscious."

No, skin cancer doesn't come up

And here's why...

Because they're along for the full ride

Many family members and friends have been on the skin cancer rollercoaster from the beginning. They're updated on a regular basis so they don't need special updates over the holidays or serious sit-down conversations.

"It did not, but then again I think that this is because it is a topic in many non-holiday conversations. I now pick and choose my spots to share my thoughts on the matter. I think my children fully understand what is at stake and they are making better choices than I did and that is all that I can ask for."

"Not this year because this has been a topic of conversation since 2005. My kids and grandkids are well versed in it."

“Showed my 2 recent extraction sites to a couple of friends so, not really. They’ve seen dozens of them over the years and the novelty wore off long ago. For me, too..”

Because my family doesn't care

Our community members also have to endure the disappointment of family members not asking about their current status. Unfortunately, skin cancer diagnoses still aren't always taken seriously, even by those close to us.

"Nope, my family ignores my diagnosis and pretty much still treats me like crap"

"No. Everyone I know thinks if you have skin cancer you don't have 'real cancer.'"

"No, it only ever comes up at family gatherings if I bring it up, and then it’s usually met with a blank stare or basically ignored."

What is your experience talking about skin cancer in everyday conversations or family gatherings? Do you typically bring it up or do others?