Recently my sister had thing on her face looked at by her GP. He determined not a melanoma (type of cancer that can spread and might cause death). She insisted on having it biopsed, and it was a melanoma (skin cancer that can spread and might cause death!). First lesson!

Yeh for we out door types skin checks by a reputable place are essential, I'm the late side of 40 and I  noticed a small circular scaly patch on my lower lip, didn't heal, no pain, no bleeding but didn't heal. After about 6 months went to the skin clinic in Howick              ( because I normally work in Akl)they checked it and confirmed not melanoma but a cancer none the less. I had it removed at my expense in a private hospital, it was very expensive but turned out to be fairly complex because of where it was. Plastic surgeon made a great job had to cut internally in the inside of my mount, about 25mm on the out side, finely stitched up and now you cant see it. Apart from two weeks drinking through a straw and a bit of pain it turned out for the better. I'm fairly pale if I don't see the sun, same for most European N.Zrs, I spent most weekends out in the sun in summer from 20 -40 so typical for my age group. I used to go a nice tan color so didn't really think much of it except I noticed a few marks on my back from too much sun. Now I get my skin checked annually by the clinic and have had two other spots removed in not so precarious places ( didn't require plastic surgery) I have just noticed another on my right elbow so when I can get back to work in Auckland I will get it cut out as well. Apparently even though they are not life threatening like melanoma they are an issue as they can spread and get into the lymph nodes.

Your right, but the health system is  already overloaded ( one of the reasons I think that only people who have paid tax for 10 years should get freeish treatment) I didn't want to wait and then require even more complex surgery so the 12 k while I am still employed is worth it.

Best thing I've ever done was invest in a couple of the Simms Solartech Hoodies and Sun Gaiters. With the amount of time I spend on the water and a family history, sunscreen just doesn't cut it anymore but the Solarflex range is a game changer. Super light, breathable, moisture wicking etc and can fish in our fully open boat in direct sun all day with no issues. Well worth checking out

Same and now insurance wont touch you in future for skin cancer.

Mate after I stopped flying I didn't have a GP. I went to a doctors reception to apply for a new one when I suspected an issue with my skin and they required my pass port etc before I could even make an appointment. Because I didn't have it on me I didn't bother, I normally travel to Akl every day for work so didn't have much time. I'm a NZ citizen and apart from working in Sydney for 6 years have lived and worked here all my life. We have almost no new local GPs now and to get a new one is nearly impossible. With an aging population, the govt. wanting to bring in more people from overseas, etc etc there is going to be a major issue soon. The govt. is quick to hand out to the so called at risk population but for those of us that have paid our way for many years its looking pretty grim once we retire at 80...Just my opinion for what its worth

Crochet Cast wrote: Helmsy wrote: Best thing I've ever done was invest in a couple of the Simms Solartech Hoodies and Sun Gaiters. With the amount of time I spend on the water and a family history, sunscreen just doesn't cut it anymore but the Solarflex range is a game changer. Super light, breathable, moisture wicking etc and can fish in our fully open boat in direct sun all day with no issues. Well worth checking out Same here. I find that I actually feel cooler covered up than not and if it’s really hot dampening the solarflex down with fresh water cools you down even more as the water evaporates.

Excellent advice and Pic Crochet Cast! I cover up the same, gloves, special hat and clothing. As I fish from a very small open boat low to water the sun rays reflecting off water are alot harsher than bigger boats offering shade from cabins etc. I'm in my 60's now and luckily a clear run with the cancers so far. NZ up there with the worst skin cancer rates in world.  If your a young buck on here guys reading this and your not covering up now would be a good time to start. 

unless made to block sun clothing let’s in sun rays too. Big scandal in Ozz when I was there last that all those little beach shade tents didn’t stop cancerous sun rays 

tjm wrote: Yeh, same with some sun screens too apparently, bit of a worry if your susceptible to sun burn.

50+ spf is a con,just as good as the lower spf and cheaper brands,remember banana spf  screen test by fairgo??total failure

Not good, we love the nice brown look but maybe even for we blokes we need to use the new tanning products. The skin people keep an eye on two of my freckles too, but I see I have another small insignificant round slightly red 1 cm spot developing on my elbow. I can see as soon as I get get back up to Akl ill have another visit to my clinic to get it cut out. The problem is even though its not melanoma it can spread in your blood stream and then the lymph nodes need removing, chemo etc etc. The price we pay for having an out door life 20 or so years ago grrr