Should You Engage with Strangers about Skin Cancer?

By Kim Hill

2 min read

Recently, I was in a group on social media where someone asked about tanning while on a certain medication. Along with myself, a couple of people mentioned the dangers of sunbathing in-general. Well, it wasn’t very well-received. In fact, we were told that our opinions weren’t needed. Now, this wasn’t from everyone. In fact, the original poster liked the comments. Yet, some people were downright rude. This begs the question, should you engage with strangers about skin cancer?

Unwanted advice about skin cancer

Many people don’t want advice they didn’t ask for. Even if you know something they may not, no one likes to be preached at, or feel you’re telling them what to do. So, how do you handle it? Even by saying I’d had skin cancer twice and was simply explaining the dangers, it was taken in a bad way from one particular person who seemed to love to tan.

People are going to fight

Social media has brought out the worst in some people. While people get to find old friends or meet new friends with similar interests, there are those who seem to want to argue.

According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media.¹

These claims also showcase the effects social media has on our mental health. Not only do people feel bad when fights break out, there is also the danger of needing attention. Getting likes and comments affects a chemical messenger called dopamine, which is what makes us happy. So, if the person who took umbrage to my comment gets a lot of likes, that just feeds their dopamine. It also works for me as well. If a lot of people agree with me, that makes me feel better. Neither addresses what to do, though. Do you risk it?

What’s the verdict?

It’s hard to know exactly what to do, especially in a large group post. Sometimes you have to play it by ear, and decide if it's worth it to take the risk. If you feel you’ll come off as preachy or off-topic, it’s up to you on how you feel about the backlash. But, it is important to let people know the dangers. If you can, try to do it in a way that seems casual. Perhaps you can say something like, “A day at the beach sounds like fun, don’t forget your sunscreen. It won’t totally protect you from skin cancer, but it will help.” Often, casual tones seem friendlier and less like you’re trying to run someone’s life for them.

And I get it, no one wants someone telling them what to do. And mentioning skin cancer to someone who loves tanning can come off as being a know-it-all. You have to find that perfect balance in giving knowledge without preaching. It's up to you to decide if you can do so without the danger of a major fight with strangers.

We all want to help others, especially those of us who know the dangers. Just make sure it doesn’t affect your whole day if people aren’t listening or try to start an argument.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SkinCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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sho50 Member
As the saying goes, "There's no cure for stupid." When stupid folks get indignent over reason and truths, pay them no attention. Rather, just filter out their nonsense. It needs to roll off your feelings like water off a duck. Their comeuppance will deservedly get them in due time.
LBohl Member
I hear your pain. It's difficult to recommend sun screen or sun protection to strangers. I would do it for friends and relatives. On the flip side, reacting to people who question your sun-safe practices is also difficult. My first dermapathologist (when I was 30) had great advice for talking to people about skin cancer. He said that no one wants to hear about "the big C" but he suggested I say "I have sun sensitive skin" when people question why I'm wearing long sleeves and pants. If someone keeps harassing me about it, I then just come out and say "I have skin cancer" and they back off.
CommunityMember22d2d3 Member
People should really mind their own business. I use sunscreen and I don't need random strangers telling me about UV rays. Same as with any other health hazardous behavior, (alcohol, smoking, etc) do not lecture strangers...it will not be appreciated!
Drufrank Member
I had skin cancer where the sun doesn't shine.... It's not always due to the sun. They made the assumption that yours is like someone else's that they know.... It's best just to say... It must be hard dealing with skin cancer, I'm very sorry.
CommunityMember581e61 Member
I have received unsound advice from dermatologists. I am a retired MD with long history of skin cancers and I am tired of the merry go round of biopsy and cut. I discovered that eggplant extract can remove skin cancer. My dermatologist ridiculed it, but I know they are only worried about there bottom line. I used homeopathy with good results for my eczema and scalp.psoriasis and so called mainstream docs try to twist themselves in knots when shown results.
CommunityMemberf28ea4 Member
Whenever I see something I very politely and carefully start a conversation. I've never had it poorly received. Discussing things on social media will always find some negative responses no matter the topic. I'd just ignore negative comments for an online thread and let people draw their own conclusions.