If you had breast cancer and took chemo can you tan in a tanning bed without harming yourself?

Question

I had a mastectomy Jan/16/05. I took chemo for three months. I want to tan but I'm afraid it will cause problems due to my cancer, even tho they got it all. I am on Femera. (cancer pill)

Answer 1

If you don't mind skin cancer.

http://www.skincancer.org/artificial/index.php

Answer 2

My experience is that my skin was more sensitive and actually burned more easily right after chemo. I think it was one of the chemicals they used on me though. I could be out 5 minutes and it affected me as though I was out for an hour.

They say a LITTLE bit of sun is good, because the natural vitamin D in the rays of the sun help. If you feel so inclined to tan, please be careful. Never stay out too long; especially the first time. Also, don't go out during the peak ours; 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. I would also use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UBV and does not have PABBA. One that I know of is Avon.

I really wouldn't recommend "tanning". Just getting a bit of color for a few minutes in the sun from time to time, while being protected against the detrimental rays.

Bottom line, don't lay out to "tan". Just be in the sun when you need to accomplish something that makes you have to be outside. Try to do it early in the morning or later in the day. And use sunscreen UVA/UVB. Wear a hat or use an umbrella. That's about it. Oh, and NO TANNING BEDS - EVER!

Answer 3

If I had breast cancer, the last thing I would be worried about is "TANNING". I won't risk it at any time. There are some really great self tanning products on the market now, not like the old days where everyone turned ORANGE.
I personally like the Neutragena brand and the one they sell at the bath stores. True Blue Spa is really good.

Answer 4

I was told that women who have had breast cancer are twice as likely to get skin cancer as the average person. I can live without a tan personally... LIVE being the operative word here. I wouldn't risk it.

Answer 5

I am a cancer nurse and totally against those darn tanning beds, but you deserve to do whatever you want to do after what you have been thru. If you want to tan, then take it very slow and don't set the dial more than 5 minutes the 1st time. Take it slow.
Hooray for you feeling like you want to do something positive for yourself. More power to yah!!!!

Answer 6

i think of which you already understand the answer to this. Tanning isn't sturdy for everyone, somewhat in case your dealing with chemo. anyhow, your concentration should not be on your tan, yet your well being. ultimate of success to you and recuperate.

Answer 7

with or without cancer you can not tan in a tanning bed without harming yourself..women that are sun worshipers are prone to skin cancer and early aging.. wrinkles..tanning beds are a false sun complete with all the harmful rays..you have survived one bout of cancer..don't push your luck.

Answer 8

NO WAY. Stay away from tanning salons. In fact creams/body lotions are not so great for the skin. You should be thinking about using organic products.

Answer 9

Leave the tanning alone. Too much of uv rays can give you skin cancer.

Answer 10

No. Going through chemotherapy is pumping chemicals through your body. These chemicals can cause lots of changes in your body. Your doctor should have told you to stay out of the sun (real and artificial). Sun damage is much worse if you've been through chemo.

Answer 11

even if you haven't had cancer, tanning beds are harmful. They put harmful uv rays into your body