Si, I’d like to say a huge thank you! I’d had mole my wife said didn’t look good and my reply was always “it’s just a mole”. I watched this video and I thought hang on this is serious so booked an appointment. 8 weeks on I have just been told it was a cancerous BCC and I was lucky enough for it to have been fully removed. A massive relief at 35! Huge thank you to all involved in this video 💪🏻
I am a senior life long cyclist and I just returned from the dermatologist's office a half hour ago where I had about a dozen pre-cancerous spots frozen off my skin with a jet of liquid nitrogen. I have to go through this twice each year because of sun damage from a history of not protecting myself from the sun. I have been lucky so far and have not developed a cancer needing specialized and invasive treatment thanks to my dedicated dermatologist. Protect yourself now so that you don't have regrets later.
Odd to me is I've learned that insurance here in the States will pay for up to 6 "spots" to be removed per session and every time I go to a skin doctor they find 6 spots that need removed.... smh
I've been cycling for 53 years, a large portion in Hawai'i and the rest in Texas. A big portion was without sunscreen. Unfortunately i have had BCC, squamous cell carcinoma and several surgeries for melanomas. I now use an SPF 70 when i ride or walk the dog. Younger riders, be proactive and use sun screen!
In last couple years I've been enjoying the trend toward giant sunglasses in road cycling. At first I bought big shades with winter cycling in mind because they simply cover more area, keeping face and head warmer. Other considerations were insects and and rocks thrown from passing vehicles. I've had a valve stem basically destroyed by a fast moving rock. Imagine what it would have done to an eye or a front tooth? And yes, I thought the huge goggle shaped sunglasses looked cool and assumed an aero advantage as well. But this topic is reminding me, and I assume many other viewers of this insidious risk facing us.
@@gcn I had 2 removed from my back 18 months ago and most likely will have to have more removed in a couple of weeks Talk to Aussie cyclists and they tell you they put sun cream on as part of the preparation to go out cycling. No question!
So glad you brought this up. I live in Florida where it is impossible to escape the sun’s damaging rays (and heat). 8 years ago (before I even started serious riding) a melanoma was discovered on my tricep. The “spot” did not fit the profile of a typical melanoma (the ABCDE rule did not apply). Even my dermatologist said I don’t think it’s a melanoma but let’s biopsy it and send it to the lab for analysis. Immediately after the lab report came in the “spot” was removed and followed with a PET scan that showed that it had not spread. I was told by my doc that the particular type of melanoma that I had was very aggressive and would have likely spread very quickly had I waited to come in. The mortality rates for melanomas that have spread are very high. The point is- if you see a new spot/freckle (particular a very dark one) and you are concerned-and you should be- go to you doc RIGHT AWAY. Would you rather here him say “your fine, it’s nothing to be concerned about”- or “you have a melanoma that has spread- you should have come in sooner”? The one I had was very small but almost black with a pale ring around it- and it appeared seemingly overnight. I might not be here today had I not had it checked out. Thank you for posting this. I find nearly all of your videos at GCN entertaining and informative- this one however is probably the most helpful and important one you have ever posted.
Good info. The first thing you can do if you suspect a skin lesion is to photograph it (with some scale measurement like a millimeter ruler), with your smartphone, which automatically records the date. You can then compare it at a later date, if you ever need to, to evaluate the progression. Many times a skin lesion is just removed and sent for examination because it is quicker and not much more complicated than a biopsy.
Great advice about seeing your doctor if you notice anything unusual. however here in the UK that's almost impossible, an hour waiting for the phone to be answered, then get told you can have a telephone consultation in 3 or 4 weeks time, and then if you need to be refered to hospital remember that 6 MILLION people are on the waiting list for procedures. The average GP works a 27 hour week! And they want a 20% pay rise. Unbelievable arrogance after 2 years of doing nothing.
These are definitely one of the topics that float around in the back of my mind constantly, and I irresponsibly try to keep it back there. I think this is a really important video to put out, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say the amount of effort you guys put into it is really appreciated. I'm 36 and have been riding for roughly 15 years. More or less all 15 of those without using sunscreen. I will now, though. I will now.
I hate sunscreen because it feels like I’m rubbing myself with grease. I prefer a bit more heat from using long sleeves and a desert cap. I went for a long trip and wore a helmet and I just taped half a shirt on the back of it for my neck. It was awesome and kept me cool but the sunburns on my legs were there for half a year…
@@somevids4187 Yeah, no thanks. That sounds miserable. Where do you live? It gets to over 100 degrees where I live. If I wore a long sleeve shirt and hat under my helmet I'd probably die of heat stroke. At best I'd be riding around with a completely soaked with sweat long sleeve shirt which also sounds miserable. Just, no...
I have been cycling for years and also being treated for bcc for years. This video did a great job of raising the awareness of skin cancer and the required steps to help prevent it. Don’t ignore these recommendations and continue to enjoy cycling
Quite possibly one of the best GCN videos I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a lot of them…). Raises the point in a very clear way and provides sensible actions that we should all take. I’m a big fan of the ‘all day long’ suncreams as they just provide that but more protection but do make sure I re-apply if our for more than a couple hours, small travel sized bottles fit in a jersey pocket easily!
This is a very important topic and I commend GCN for bringing light to it. Skin cancers are usually minor, but can progress into very serious conditions if allowed to go unchecked and untreated.
Don’t forget to do suncream your ears! That’s where my skin cancer appeared. Fortunately a doctor noticed it and sent me to my GP, so it was quickly sorted. Now it’s factor 50 on all exposed skin. 🙂
Agree and don't procrastinate going to a dermatologist like I did. After they removed the skin cancer from my ear, I needed ear reconstruction surgery.
Same with me. Caught it early had surgery to remove it and sent me on my way. One ear is a little smaller than the other but kind of hard to notice if you aren't looking for it.
Nicely done, Si and GCN. My dad had skin cancer (successfully treated thank goodness). Since then I've had more worries about it myself. The thing with cycling is you don't feel the heat - moving at speed with sweat cooling the surface of the skin it's very easy to forget how intense the rays are. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront.
GCN thank you for bringing this subject up. As a cyclist for the last 40+ years and outdoor enthusiast, I am paying for those early years of no sunscreen. Just last month had minor surgery on my upper arm for basal cell cancer, again. It’s no fun. I have been wearing long sleeve jerseys for the last ten years. But I hope this gets the attention of more jersey manufacturers to produce more summer weight long sleeve jerseys. I wear them even on those 100F days. Some work real well and actually seem to be cooler than bare skin. Other jerseys just don’t, mainly because, I think, they are too loose. Ones that seem to be cooler are tighter allowing the sweat to help cool and evaporate from the jersey.
I was applying sunscreen while getting ready for a group ride, and the guy next to me said, “your dermatologist would be proud.” I replied, “I don’t have a dermatologist.” That was a number of years ago. Now, the half century mark is well in my rear view mirror, and my skin still looks pretty good. Don’t ride without your helmet. Don’t ride without sunscreen.
I am a Black man who recently was reminded that I can burn as fast as anybody. I’ve only been cycling the past few years but now realize that I must apply the lotion before the motion. Especially living at altitude up here in Colorado Springs. This video was definitely a wake up call. Thanks for taking the time to produce it. The one question that I wished was asked is how much protection do cycling kits really offer?
Judging by the pale skin under kits of many of the riders in the pro peloton, it seems the cover of the clothing does a good job. Many manufacturers list the protection factor if they have gone to the trouble of having it tested. I'm an older rider with a balding scalp that rides with a helmet with huge vents because of my climate. I wear a GIRO SPF30 ultralight cycling cap on every ride...great for so many reasons.
Cycling kit varies, but summer kit often can't be relied upon for protection in strong sunlight. I recently bought a lightweight jersey which boasted "blocks 50% of harmful UV radiation" - that would be SPF 2.
Thank you for producing this very important public health video - and for its thoughtful inclusion of cyclists with highly pigmented skin. Dr. Omerod’s presentation of risks and remedies is brilliant. She offers practical advice to the entire cycling community. Congrats, Si and GCN on a top-flight video! I’m off to the indoor track now. 👏🏾👏🏾
Now in my 60's, I vehemently wear sun screen... Unfortunately I've had way too many skin cancers removed, possibly due bad genetics along with years of neglect as a youth and even as a cyclist, etc throughout my latter years. That said, I really applaud your article on this subject and hoping your viewers will take it to heart!
Great video, factual and real. I’ll be sharing amongst my friends and family. I had a SCC removed from my cheek which had trebled in size in space of two months. I am so grateful to our wonderful NHS for the excellent care they have and continue to provide me with. I get a check every two months to ensure that it has not spread to my lymph nodes and this will continue for a couple of years. The thing that really brought it home to me was when I was told that I was lucky as I did not require chemotherapy as they managed to get it all with good margins. Please take care everyone.
Agree on that. But saying that a tan is a sign of cell damage so is muscle mass. That in itself doesn't mean it's bad - guess it's a matter of the dosage as always.
@@zeddicus4885 I think it's wrong to compare muscle damage to skin cell and DNA damage, because when broken down the best you can hope for is that they are repaired as it was before, while having a small chance of being repaired incorrectly and potentially leading to cancer. You don't get "stronger skin" with more exposure like muscles, just more damage. You also never hear dermatologists saying to train your skin, only to stay out of the sun or use protection.
I've recently switched to wearing long sleeved shirts on my rides here in Thailand. Easy to get badly burnt on long rides even with sun cream protection, especially areas you've accidently missed. I've also started to wear cycling gloves. In the end I think safer and certainly cheaper than applying large doses of sunscreen lotion.
I use sunscreen on neck, ears, face. I wear a skull cap under my helmet (I'm bald), and wear long-sleeve compression shirts under my jersey (works as a base layer) unless I'm riding early or late in the day.
Hi, what about bottoms I'm struggling to find long legged bibs for warmer weather or anything with long legged for cycling bottoms, any ideas thanks mate.
@@warsameadam5572 I use long loose shorts and put on sunscreen on the tops of my knees that are exposed. Have no experience with long legged cycling bottoms.
I prefer sunsleeves to long sleeves, as they can be pulled down if the sun isn’t so intense. They’re also provide evaporative cooling when soaked with water on hot days. Additionally, they provide warmth for early or late rides when it is cooler. SunDay Afternoons brand is my favorite, as they are a little heavier, plus the elastic holds up well.
I've had both a melanoma in situ and SCC removal from my face - 25mm of skin taken and a scar to remember it - sun cream all the way and long sleeve UV base layer, even in summer. Thank you GCN for this video and highlighting this important issue
I was gonna comment "the sun" before watching the video. But this is actually about sunscreen. Great video! Its super important. also besides wearing sunscreen go to a screening by a dermatologist now and then. I tend to be laughed at by my friends because I always have sunscreen on me during any kind of outdoor activity. Skin cancer is however a problem in my family and sadly my uncle has died from it. My dad and grandma have had non maliginous skin cancers removed so I'm quite weary. I also hate when people brag about how easy they get sunburn or how thats just no way to prevent that.
Important topic. I had the sunburn of my life during a cycling holiday on Gran Canaria where I bonked and it took me much longer that planned to get home. I had to ride the next day with arm warmers at 35 degrees because the skin was so sensible to sunlight. That was a lesson learned. A bit of spare suncream should be in every saddle bag. Well made video, when it‘s Si, you know it‘s a serious topic.
Great video Simon, in Australia the sun is BRUTAL!! So most of us end up in the dermo's office getting chunks cut and frozen off, and the damage was done decades ago! Tans look nice, but use tanning lotions, not the sun. The aim of the game is to look good all your life, just not for a decade or two ...
Nice one, GCN. In Australia, we get the skin cancer message drummed into us at an early age, and most are very conscious of sun protection. Regular skin checks are a very wise idea, especially if you've had someone in your family with a melanoma. The idea of taking photos of any moles to keep a record is a great idea, and in Australia there are also some specialist clinics that keep a record of them to track changes.
Cancer doesn't run in my family, it gallops. I've had 4 family members die to different forms of cancer, while like 3 others are in treatment. My mother has the gene for skin cancer, had cancer her self and has had some moles surgically removed. When I go out cycling, I leave my house at 5:00 am, covered in the highest rating sun protector I can find and covered in head to toe. Long sleeves, long bibs, UV baselayer, UV4 sunglasses, long finger gloves. Minimum amount of exposed skin, been riding for years, I still look pale as a vampire and many kilometers in the saddle. Yes, I look like the quintessential MAMIL. But guess who is beating skin cancer? (So far)
As an Australian I've been skin cancer aware all my life. I usually start early and am finished riding by 10am so mostly don't worry about sun block cream. But if it's a later start or a long day I put the cream on and take one of those hotel shampoo bottles with cream in for a reapplication. Good job for bringing the topic up.
On the worst days I am out at 5 am and back by 8 am. (daylight saving time of course). I get to watch the sun slowly tint the sky with purples, reds then oranges and finally burst forth over the flat horizon. It is actually pretty good. Although in winter the skies are grey and leaden ( like a UK summer) so I ride in the afternoon when it has warmed up a bit.
Thank you for putting this video out there and for stacking it with so much great, informative content. I grew up back in the days when sunscreen was just to prevent sunburn and sunburn never hurt anyone - it was very ignorant times. Unfortunately, this has impacted the way I tend to think in my life to this day, and I’m pretty sure I’m still not taking this issue seriously enough. I need to get an appointment with a dermatologist ASAP so I know where I’m starting, because I think I’ve already probably developed skin cancer and left it untreated for much too long. The only good thing is that I don’t have any large lesions, but have developed quite a lot of smaller ones of a good variety. If the cancer doesn’t kill you, the ignorance surely will. Take care of your skin and take these things seriously. It’s imminently treatable when found early, but if you play around and waste time, it _will_ kill you.
Stage 3c here. Cycling actually helped me through a very difficult time after multiple surgeries and to keep the immunotherapy treatments from bringing me down. Melanoma is no joke. Wear clothing. UPF cycling cap under the helmet and heat gear long sleeves under a cycling vest if too hot. Multiple hours?? Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen on your face and legs. I’d rather be a bit warm then sitting looking longingly out the window.
I’ve lost count of the cancerous spots I’ve had removed. When they started I wondered why. I always used sunscreen. Researching sunscreen I discovered how ineffective it really is. Even reapplying it every hour as directed. So I looked into UV rated bike gear. It turns out a long sleeved SUMMER RATED jersey is cooler than having sun beating on your forearms. Same for long legged bibs. The summer rated ones are cut low across the chest. My favorites have a black butt area, then lighter color on the top of the thigh. UV rated bike gear is easier. And cleaner. A lot of sunscreens will stain your clothes. And being covered in lotion, every spec of grime and gnat sticks to you.
My grandpa has had quite a bit of skin cancer, and so this issue is quite close to home and I'm glad that you touched on it because it's not something that I've been thinking about but I've been outside almost all summer. I really appreciate the time you guys took out to do this video, thank you.
Great episode simon. I try to screen up, most times i do. Still i have gotten few miles off and remembered it only to go on. Helmet bags , glasses, fuel. Water. Sometimes i forget. Will double up on check list. Two thumbs up.
I'm so impressed with this video, definitely not what I was expecting from the title, but a super-important message delivered in a really informative and non-patronising way. This topic crosses over with my work and I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable about cancer, but I still learned things (eg UVA goes through glass!) - bravo.
Protip: Test out some different sunscreens. I started wearing more when I found one I really like (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer). Sunscreen review could be a good video too
Yep, sunscreen varies in scent, feel, and ease of application. Try different ones until you find one you like. I personally just use whatever Sport sunscreen I can find. Any other type immediately comes off with sweat.
Agreed. I also use different sunscreen on my face vs rest of body because no sunscreen is sweatproof and nothing is worse than having sunscreen drip into eyes.
I'm Afro-American and I've never even had a sun burn. I'm a Gulf War vet and spend many hours riding. I can't work anymore,cause I suffer from PTSD. I take out my frustration on hours of hardcore bike riding. Nice info to know though.
You know not to deny what you say or anything, but wouldn't really dark skin make it difficult to spot the red tan sunburns make? Sure if one gets bad sunburn then the skin starts to peel and everything, but I'm sure the kind of sunburn that is barely visible on my pale skin and doesn't make it peel or burn could go unnoticed on dark skin. It is true though that I don't get the peeling kind of sunburn on my arms or legs where they are tanned when I absolutely get them on the shoulders which are not.
Thanks for the great video - it's a huge issue here in NZ, where in the summer our burn times are so quick. When I lived in the UK I never got used to my colleagues going out to sunbeds in our lunch breaks! Over the Christmas hols, I did my longest ride at 50km and reapplied so much sunblock, but due to sweat and my arms/shoulders not really moving much, I still got so burnt, so disappointed in myself.
I somehow didn't see this video until I requested you guys do one on this topic. I'm a skin cancer survivor myself so I'm very much invested in the topic. Thanks for doing this
Thanks for bringing this up. In 2005 I was lucky enough to have an early stage melanoma detected and removed. The same kind that killed my wife's uncle. At the very least, be aware of any changes in your skin.
As they advertise in Australia, "there is nothing healthy about a tan" and "don't let the sun see your DNA" This is something constantly in the back of my mind when I'm outside. There are several zinc-based sunscreens here in Australia which stay on a bit better than conventional sunscreens, and it gives a bit better protection too. However, they are a bit more expensive to buy. Veritasium and Physics Girl have videos on UV light and sunscreen which are quite interesting. On a side note, I was amazed at how expensive sunscreen is in certain European countries when compared to Australia.
Now that's the GCN I like to follow... Good comprehensive advice around cycling as a lifestyle. In depth analysis of a great subject. Not the mainstream weight-gravel Cs road commercial stuff. Bravo!!
I take her advice to heart to use sunscreen more often on long sunny rides, thanks GCN. However, using sunscreen on cloudy days and all year round in the UK seems rather excessive. I wonder if there's a more realistic middle?
My rule of thumb is if you can see your shadow, even a little bit, you can get too much UV. But if the clouds are really heavy, like it could almost rain, then you're OK without sunscreen.
You absolute legends. Thank you for this. My pops died in April 2020 of Melanoma. I've had so many people scoff when I told them it was skin cancer and not take it seriously. Most people don't realize that if melanoma progresses beyond the surface level, it's one of the least treatable cancers there is and has a nearly 100% death rate 5 years after diagnosis. Thank you so much for this Si!
I do wear sunscreen. Every ride! Apparently, mot enough though. What an eye opener! That amount of sunscreen would also become (yet another) monthly cycling expense, as I feel the small bottles you get don't have that many uses of 2x teaspoon amounts and it is pricy. I also do get my skin checked every so often. This is because they found one mole they wanted to remove (not cancerous - was precautionary). Highly, highly recommend you get a referral from your GP to a specialist and stay on top of that. We're pretty much a case study in being susceptible to skin cancers, however, like the doctor said, it is also highly preventable. So just get a checkup on it every so often and wear that sunscreen! I was totally aware of these issues, but thanks for making others aware with this video, and I am still amazed by the amount of sunscreen! Lol.
Excellent advice and well explained. Please take heed. Far more important than a discussion about the best tyres, wheels and how much our bikes cost. Well done again GCN.
I would love to see some cycling-focused review videos on various sunscreens. I’ve had trouble finding one that lasts well without feeling super thick or rubbing off on bike surfaces.
This! I am extremely fair skinned and cannot stand the way most sunscreens feel - especially when I am being active cycling, running etc. Would love to hear favorites from those who have found something that works well and doesn't make you suffocate!
Very important video. This was a great reminder and I also learned new facts. As a trail runner and cyclist, I just had this conversation with my GP last month.
It should be mentioned that there are some areas of your skin that is more exposed than others. One example is my neighbour who used to be a postman and he got skincancer on the rear of his neck, which you wouldn't normall think of. So a brimmed hat or one of those shirts with a flap behind the neck would be good.
I've seen malignant melanoma on the tops of the ears of outdoor workers who wore construction helmets or baseball type caps. My husband has had a malignant melanoma on his left upper back resulting in wide excision of the cancer and inspection of sentinal lymph nodes for cancer. He is cancer free since 2002 but he does not want to wear sunscreen, and I haven't been able to convince him otherwise. He does get annual skin checks by his dermatologist.
Kudos for bringing this up to the center stage! I have a lot of sun damage on my skin from growing up oblivious to the sun’s dangers. I now wear sun sleeves, a cycling cap and sun screen on every ride.
Thank you Si and Dr. Ormerod...I am a skin cancer prone person. I use sunscreen when I get out of the shower now , so I don't forget . BUT..the reapplication is lacking....yeah. my bad..
Because of this, I want everybody to be responsible and do all their cycling inside. Sell the convertible and always walk with an umbrella. Its permitted to sing music from the Mary Poppins soundtrack, but only sparingly.
Having had basil cell carcinomas along with the freezing, cutting and "burn & scrape" that often follows, I can say that this video may be the most important one y'all have produced to date. Excellent work. Thanks guys!
After having a basal cell carcinoma cut from my face I can assure you that this is a serious problem for us cyclists. Sun screen is essential for every ride and it's important not to forget the ears. It was a very unpleasant lesson to learn!
I've seen a few other comments from Aussies about this, but I wear sunscreen even in winter (bald and pale, yay) because the Australian education and public health systems so frequently drill this into our collective brains. Slip, slop, slap. No hat, no play, etc. I'm fairly certain melanomas and other skin cancers used to be the biggest killer in Australia, if not the top three now we're contending with increased cardiovascular disease. Wear sunscreen every time you go out! It's distinctly not aero, but a sun hoodie or cool, light material long sleeves will save you in the long run (and keep you cooler). I commute every day, and have no choice but to tackle the varying range of -8°C to 45°C temperatures we get over the seasonal extremes. Hoping one day we'll get bib tights that aren't fleece lined, or designed for cold weather that can be used for summer riding to keep the sun off my knees and legs.
As a fellow Aussie I concur completely. I use UV sleeves in summer to protect my arms but you cannot get them for your legs. I have been riding for 30 years and swam for 10 year before that. I have had skin cancers cut from my face, chest, back and leg. Just use the 50+ every time. Get a yearly full body scan and examination. It may well save your life. One of your best Simon. Well done.
Terrific video. I'm sitting here recovering from my sixth surgery to remove basal cell and squamous cell cancers. This time, they had to rebuild half my nose with skin grafting. WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN EVERY RIDE!!!
Another Great Video. I am a Skin Cancer survivor and I cycle all the time. I had 2 large operations and was out of work for 9 weeks and it took me 4 months to get back to a normal life. This is a fantastic educational Video about Skin Cancer. Thank you. I think you will help some people with this video.
I feel like this video was personally attacking me 😅 My Dad has had to have some skin cancer removed. Alright alright… I’ll wear the dang sunscreen. Thanks GCN for making me face something I’ve been ignoring.
Brandon, Yeah, I've had some basil skin cancer at 72 and a life of cycling mostly without sun screen. I didn't think about it much when I was young, but I do think about it now. My dermatologist didn't tell me to stay out of the sun, he knows there are benefits from vitamin D. So it's good you are aware of it and wear your sun screen. I'm sorry I didn't most of my life.
Great helpful video and super reminders! I'm using it even in overcast conditions because as the Dr says, cloud cover doesn't protect you, it just fools you and lulls you into dangerous complacency! Thanks GCN & Si for timely info!!
As a scientist I can't let one sided argument go. Here are important opposing facts: 1) While UV radiation is indeed great factor in causing skin cancers, it is also required for our organism, Vit D generation in particular 2) There are large primitive populations in the Tropics living with great, unfeathered Solar exposure throughout the year... incidences of skin cancer in those populations are way below Western nations, orders of magnitude below 3) Incidences of skin cancer in Western nations are well tracked over recent history as is the usage of sunblock creams... Undeniable fact is that as in the West usage of sunblock have dramatically risen over time, over the same period incidences of skin cancer not only didn't drop but also risen quickly. How to really protect ourselves from anecdotal evidence in my Central European, pale skinned family: One part of our wider family went to live and work (jobs with great daily Sun exposure) in the 1950s on the coast of Mediterranean. As was the practice in 1950s there (and they followed it for their lives) there was NO sunblock usage of any kind. People assisted their skin capabilities with olive oil, that's it. Not only that I wrote elementary school essay on how my aunt's skin was incredibly soft and nice (that it would impress even a child)but this part of the family turned out most healthy in general sense: aunt died in her late 80s, uncle will be 100 next year and is not only living but you could confuse him for 50-60yr old and is still out in the Sun daily... From their experience, I'd say, make use of the Sun, assist skin by moisturizing and keeping it natural and supple so that it uses Solar benefits and protects itself naturally against damages. Aftre all, we are a species that emerged under the hot, unshaded Sun of the African grassy savannah, we are equipped with all that is needed to be heavily exposed to it (if not need it for our health).
So, you are saying we should trust your anecdotal evidence and believe that sun screen causes cancer by a mere correlation? That's why I trust real scientists. They know what they are doing, you certainly do not.
Could the asnwer be how Westerners want to look "cool" with their sunglasses? As everybody knows, skin colour changes, to some extent, in response to sun exposure. The trigger for that response is the pituitary gland. Under natural circumstances, almost as soon as you are exposed to the sun, your pituitary gland produces hormones that act as boosters for your melanocytes, and your melanocytes start producing melanin on overdrive. Unfortunately, it's very easy to disrupt that process. The pituitary gland gets its information from the optic nerve - when the optic nerve senses sunlight it signals the pituitary gland to kick-start the melanocytes. Guess what happens when you're wearing sunglasses? Much less sunlight reaches the optic nerve, much less warning is sent to the pituitary gland, much less melanocyte-stimulating hormone is released, much less melanin is produced - and more sunburn results.
Thank you so much for that skin care video. I grew up when getting sun burned was just part of the summer ritual to get a tan. My mother used aluminum foil reflectors to speed up the tan. We know so much more now about the price you pay for too much sun. I have had only had one small spot removed from an ear and it tested to be basal cell carcinoma. I use sun block for all my outdoor activities that more than 10 minutes long. My cycling jerseys back in the 1970's materially weren't as advanced as we have today. They were heavier, thicker and larger pores than we have in our elastane, polyester and nylon blends. The brand name was sewn on with black felt letters that blocked all the UV light. I got a tan on my back except where the black letters were. I had a skin white Motobecane across my tanned back.
I live in Australia which has a well deserved reputation when it comes to climate extremes. Skin Cancer is not a joke. It is absolutely a risk always, and your best defence is to use a sun screen. IF your ride is longer than 5-10 minutes in direct sun, use Sun Screen. If your total cycling time in direct sun is going to be longer than 10 minutes per day, use Sun Screen.
Oh yeah, I recently read that 2/3 of australians get skin cancer in their life, which I found pretty shocking. I think if I lived there I'd bathe in sunscreen.
I wonder how good sports-focused sunscreen is. I recently saw one targeted at cyclists claiming to stay effective for 8 hours and being resistant to sweat. I think if this is true it might be interesting for longer rides, but it's difficult if not impossible for the average consumer to verify.
the best bet when applying sun screen is to determine your burn time-if you burn in 30 minutes, the spf # will extend that. Spf 50 plus 30 min gives you 80 min. Reapply at 80 or cover up.
It is all marketing. If one company claims their product lasts longer than the competitor, they will sell more. There is no way for us normal people to test those claims, so they get away with it and get rich.
I need to show this to my 'sun-sister' who crimates herself in the sun with no suncream. I have personally not had any issues with this but a very informative video.
When I first got into cycling this was one of the first things I started thinking about. My mom’s side of the family has a history of skin cancer. I live in Florida so protection from the sun is important sun screen is a requirement.
this is one reason I am consistently surprised that there are so few summer weight cool long sleeve jerseys out there in the major brands. I have searched around for these
I've had extreme cycle tans in the past, and am more recently admitting to myself that all tanning is a sign of skin damage and should be avoided. Sun screen is going in my bag with the tire pump and patch kit
What a great subject to highlight in one of your videos. I normally ride early morning, and applying sunscreen isn’t one of my ride ‘rituals’. I use sunscreen in the day though, this video is a timely reminder that I’ve been a bit of an idiot! I will slap it on even on my early rides from now on. Thanks GCN 👍
Well done for covering this important topic. I'm a lifelong cyclist living in South Africa. I didn't take the risks seriously enough. At 50 I have an annual dermatologist check-up. Unfortunately the chickens do eventually come home to roost and I've had numerous questionable leisons exicised. Don't neglect the sunscreen around the side of your face, the ears (especially above & behind them) and the back of the neck. Had my first Basal Cell Carcinoma this year and still fortunately no Melanoma. I could kick myself as most of the damage would have been easily avoidable. Take care of your skin and yourself. 🙂
It's a little counterintuitive I guess, but yeah winter sunshine can cause a lot of sunburn. I'm sure I've gotten sunburned on the face many times when skiing. The doctor in the video says snow reflects a lot of UV light and increases exposure, and another thing snow does is reflect a lot of light and blind you. I guess it's more effective to judge how fast you'll get burned by light intensity and not temperature, even if we all judge it by the latter.
LOL Si at the clip of you wiping it across your eyes! Great and informative video. I think sun sleeves might be the best solution for riders at least for our arms.
Thank you for putting out this video. Very important and very well done. As a cyclist and 2 time skin cancer survivor I now know the importance of sun cream. My 1st skin cancer meant I had to stop riding an upright bike as I had some damage when they removed my lymph nodes that meant I couldn't lean on the handlebars. Fortunately after a year I discovered recumbents and in particular velomobiles which are so much more fun and comfortable than uprights anyway and have the added benefit that most of your body is covered. After a couple of years of stretching and exercise I was able to ride an upright again but rarely do. Once you have a velomobile there is no turning back.
When I was riding Century rides, I always carried a big tube of SP40 skin block. I still use it on training rides. I guess people thought that I was a bit strange. I'm glad that you ran this story.
![เจ็บที่ยังฮัก - ม่อน วรวิทย์ [ Official Mv ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KALIGSRSjFs/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you wear sunscreen on every bike ride? Let us know in the comments below👇
No. Only when it's a long ride and very sunny.
Only in the summer pretty much.
I live in a really hot country... I frequently ride at night when it cools off. Not much of a need for sunscreen late night.
No, because it’s the sunscreen which is carcinogenic.
@@CastleKnight7 LOL
Si, I’d like to say a huge thank you!
I’d had mole my wife said didn’t look good and my reply was always “it’s just a mole”. I watched this video and I thought hang on this is serious so booked an appointment. 8 weeks on I have just been told it was a cancerous BCC and I was lucky enough for it to have been fully removed. A massive relief at 35!
Huge thank you to all involved in this video 💪🏻
That's so great to hear. Glad you're doing well!
I am a senior life long cyclist and I just returned from the dermatologist's office a half hour ago where I had about a dozen pre-cancerous spots frozen off my skin with a jet of liquid nitrogen. I have to go through this twice each year because of sun damage from a history of not protecting myself from the sun. I have been lucky so far and have not developed a cancer needing specialized and invasive treatment thanks to my dedicated dermatologist. Protect yourself now so that you don't have regrets later.
Odd to me is I've learned that insurance here in the States will pay for up to 6 "spots" to be removed per session and every time I go to a skin doctor they find 6 spots that need removed.... smh
I've been cycling for 53 years, a large portion in Hawai'i and the rest in Texas. A big portion was without sunscreen. Unfortunately i have had BCC, squamous cell carcinoma and several surgeries for melanomas. I now use an SPF 70 when i ride or walk the dog. Younger riders, be proactive and use sun screen!
@@jamesstobinski6144 Where can you get SPF 70? I have not seen more than 50 until now.
@@Juuro Coppertone Sport comes in an SPF 70. I use it every time I get on the bike. I had the same things that James did.
In last couple years I've been enjoying the trend toward giant sunglasses in road cycling. At first I bought big shades with winter cycling in mind because they simply cover more area, keeping face and head warmer. Other considerations were insects and and rocks thrown from passing vehicles. I've had a valve stem basically destroyed by a fast moving rock. Imagine what it would have done to an eye or a front tooth? And yes, I thought the huge goggle shaped sunglasses looked cool and assumed an aero advantage as well. But this topic is reminding me, and I assume many other viewers of this insidious risk facing us.
Bravo GCN, one of the most important videos you’ve ever put out.
It's an important issue to highlight
@@gcn I had 2 removed from my back 18 months ago and most likely will have to have more removed in a couple of weeks Talk to Aussie cyclists and they tell you they put sun cream on as part of the preparation to go out cycling. No question!
Thank you so much GCN for this video. ❤
Well done Si for highlighting skin cancer 👍
Thanks, Paul. We're glad you think this is as important as we do!
So glad you brought this up. I live in Florida where it is impossible to escape the sun’s damaging rays (and heat). 8 years ago (before I even started serious riding) a melanoma was discovered on my tricep. The “spot” did not fit the profile of a typical melanoma (the ABCDE rule did not apply). Even my dermatologist said I don’t think it’s a melanoma but let’s biopsy it and send it to the lab for analysis. Immediately after the lab report came in the “spot” was removed and followed with a PET scan that showed that it had not spread. I was told by my doc that the particular type of melanoma that I had was very aggressive and would have likely spread very quickly had I waited to come in. The mortality rates for melanomas that have spread are very high. The point is- if you see a new spot/freckle (particular a very dark one) and you are concerned-and you should be- go to you doc RIGHT AWAY. Would you rather here him say “your fine, it’s nothing to be concerned about”- or “you have a melanoma that has spread- you should have come in sooner”? The one I had was very small but almost black with a pale ring around it- and it appeared seemingly overnight. I might not be here today had I not had it checked out. Thank you for posting this. I find nearly all of your videos at GCN entertaining and informative- this one however is probably the most helpful and important one you have ever posted.
Good info. The first thing you can do if you suspect a skin lesion is to photograph it (with some scale measurement like a millimeter ruler), with your smartphone, which automatically records the date. You can then compare it at a later date, if you ever need to, to evaluate the progression. Many times a skin lesion is just removed and sent for examination because it is quicker and not much more complicated than a biopsy.
great advice
lol I guess this video was made for white people only
Great advice about seeing your doctor if you notice anything unusual. however here in the UK that's almost impossible, an hour waiting for the phone to be answered, then get told you can have a telephone consultation in 3 or 4 weeks time, and then if you need to be refered to hospital remember that 6 MILLION people are on the waiting list for procedures. The average GP works a 27 hour week! And they want a 20% pay rise. Unbelievable arrogance after 2 years of doing nothing.
Any tips on arm sleeves or covering legs? Face? Which sunscreen do you recommend?
These are definitely one of the topics that float around in the back of my mind constantly, and I irresponsibly try to keep it back there. I think this is a really important video to put out, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say the amount of effort you guys put into it is really appreciated. I'm 36 and have been riding for roughly 15 years. More or less all 15 of those without using sunscreen. I will now, though. I will now.
So will I, mate, so will I.
It’s not too late I use sunscreen every ride always hit my head neck and arms
lol I guess this video was made for white people only.
I hate sunscreen because it feels like I’m rubbing myself with grease. I prefer a bit more heat from using long sleeves and a desert cap. I went for a long trip and wore a helmet and I just taped half a shirt on the back of it for my neck. It was awesome and kept me cool but the sunburns on my legs were there for half a year…
@@somevids4187 Yeah, no thanks. That sounds miserable. Where do you live? It gets to over 100 degrees where I live. If I wore a long sleeve shirt and hat under my helmet I'd probably die of heat stroke. At best I'd be riding around with a completely soaked with sweat long sleeve shirt which also sounds miserable. Just, no...
I have been cycling for years and also being treated for bcc for years. This video did a great job of raising the awareness of skin cancer and the required steps to help prevent it. Don’t ignore these recommendations and continue to enjoy cycling
Quite possibly one of the best GCN videos I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a lot of them…). Raises the point in a very clear way and provides sensible actions that we should all take. I’m a big fan of the ‘all day long’ suncreams as they just provide that but more protection but do make sure I re-apply if our for more than a couple hours, small travel sized bottles fit in a jersey pocket easily!
Bravo for bringing this up. There’s skin cancer in my family history, so I’m very careful about it. SPF 55 every time I go out.
Damn, i live in the middle of the equator and i only use spf 25 💀💀
This is a very important topic and I commend GCN for bringing light to it. Skin cancers are usually minor, but can progress into very serious conditions if allowed to go unchecked and untreated.
yup, don't wait if you're suspicious get in to see a dermatologist immediately.
Don’t forget to do suncream your ears! That’s where my skin cancer appeared. Fortunately a doctor noticed it and sent me to my GP, so it was quickly sorted. Now it’s factor 50 on all exposed skin. 🙂
Thanks for the advice
Agree and don't procrastinate going to a dermatologist like I did. After they removed the skin cancer from my ear, I needed ear reconstruction surgery.
Great advice...SO many people ignore the ears as if they magically protect themselves.
Same with me. Caught it early had surgery to remove it and sent me on my way. One ear is a little smaller than the other but kind of hard to notice if you aren't looking for it.
Yes! definitely important to cover all exposed skin
Nicely done, Si and GCN. My dad had skin cancer (successfully treated thank goodness). Since then I've had more worries about it myself. The thing with cycling is you don't feel the heat - moving at speed with sweat cooling the surface of the skin it's very easy to forget how intense the rays are. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront.
GCN thank you for bringing this subject up. As a cyclist for the last 40+ years and outdoor enthusiast, I am paying for those early years of no sunscreen. Just last month had minor surgery on my upper arm for basal cell cancer, again. It’s no fun.
I have been wearing long sleeve jerseys for the last ten years. But I hope this gets the attention of more jersey manufacturers to produce more summer weight long sleeve jerseys. I wear them even on those 100F days. Some work real well and actually seem to be cooler than bare skin. Other jerseys just don’t, mainly because, I think, they are too loose. Ones that seem to be cooler are tighter allowing the sweat to help cool and evaporate from the jersey.
Undoubtedly the most important video GCN has ever produced. Thank you from Down Under 🇦🇺👍
I was applying sunscreen while getting ready for a group ride, and the guy next to me said, “your dermatologist would be proud.” I replied, “I don’t have a dermatologist.” That was a number of years ago. Now, the half century mark is well in my rear view mirror, and my skin still looks pretty good. Don’t ride without your helmet. Don’t ride without sunscreen.
I am buying a Podbike for my commutes to protect against UV, rain and cold!
I was always "that guy" who was putting on sunscreen. Now I'm "that guy" with young looking skin!
I am a Black man who recently was reminded that I can burn as fast as anybody. I’ve only been cycling the past few years but now realize that I must apply the lotion before the motion. Especially living at altitude up here in Colorado Springs. This video was definitely a wake up call. Thanks for taking the time to produce it.
The one question that I wished was asked is how much protection do cycling kits really offer?
Judging by the pale skin under kits of many of the riders in the pro peloton, it seems the cover of the clothing does a good job. Many manufacturers list the protection factor if they have gone to the trouble of having it tested. I'm an older rider with a balding scalp that rides with a helmet with huge vents because of my climate. I wear a GIRO SPF30 ultralight cycling cap on every ride...great for so many reasons.
Cycling kit varies, but summer kit often can't be relied upon for protection in strong sunlight. I recently bought a lightweight jersey which boasted "blocks 50% of harmful UV radiation" - that would be SPF 2.
Thank you for producing this very important public health video - and for its thoughtful inclusion of cyclists with highly pigmented skin. Dr. Omerod’s presentation of risks and remedies is brilliant. She offers practical advice to the entire cycling community. Congrats, Si and GCN on a top-flight video! I’m off to the indoor track now. 👏🏾👏🏾
I was sure Si was going to say cows
same
🤣🤣🤣
Very interesting that the person's skin color was brought up, If a radical were to hear that. It would be "racist".
@@cachup No?
Hahaha comment of the month
Now in my 60's, I vehemently wear sun screen... Unfortunately I've had way too many skin cancers removed, possibly due bad genetics along with years of neglect as a youth and even as a cyclist, etc throughout my latter years. That said, I really applaud your article on this subject and hoping your viewers will take it to heart!
Thanks Eddie, hope you're doing okay!
Great video, factual and real. I’ll be sharing amongst my friends and family.
I had a SCC removed from my cheek which had trebled in size in space of two months. I am so grateful to our wonderful NHS for the excellent care they have and continue to provide me with. I get a check every two months to ensure that it has not spread to my lymph nodes and this will continue for a couple of years.
The thing that really brought it home to me was when I was told that I was lucky as I did not require chemotherapy as they managed to get it all with good margins.
Please take care everyone.
I always put on sunscreen on every bike ride. But after watching this video I realized how important it really is.
Surely every ride can be a bit overkill (especially in the UK!)
very expensive suncream i dont use
@@da14a49 even when it's cloudy you're still getting the harmful uv rays
@@da14a49 I'd say 1 little splodge of that stuff would cause u plenty "kill" never mind over....but hey... u either know.. or u don't..
Most of us don't quite realise how important it is
Great video - "no such thing as a healthy tan". I'm glad she didn't sugar coat it.
Agree on that. But saying that a tan is a sign of cell damage so is muscle mass. That in itself doesn't mean it's bad - guess it's a matter of the dosage as always.
@@zeddicus4885 I think it's wrong to compare muscle damage to skin cell and DNA damage, because when broken down the best you can hope for is that they are repaired as it was before, while having a small chance of being repaired incorrectly and potentially leading to cancer. You don't get "stronger skin" with more exposure like muscles, just more damage. You also never hear dermatologists saying to train your skin, only to stay out of the sun or use protection.
I've recently switched to wearing long sleeved shirts on my rides here in Thailand. Easy to get badly burnt on long rides even with sun cream protection, especially areas you've accidently missed. I've also started to wear cycling gloves. In the end I think safer and certainly cheaper than applying large doses of sunscreen lotion.
I use sunscreen on neck, ears, face. I wear a skull cap under my helmet (I'm bald), and wear long-sleeve compression shirts under my jersey (works as a base layer) unless I'm riding early or late in the day.
Hi, what about bottoms I'm struggling to find long legged bibs for warmer weather or anything with long legged for cycling bottoms, any ideas thanks mate.
@@warsameadam5572 I have no issues with sunburn on my legs.
@@warsameadam5572 I use long loose shorts and put on sunscreen on the tops of my knees that are exposed. Have no experience with long legged cycling bottoms.
I prefer sunsleeves to long sleeves, as they can be pulled down if the sun isn’t so intense. They’re also provide evaporative cooling when soaked with water on hot days. Additionally, they provide warmth for early or late rides when it is cooler. SunDay Afternoons brand is my favorite, as they are a little heavier, plus the elastic holds up well.
I've had both a melanoma in situ and SCC removal from my face - 25mm of skin taken and a scar to remember it - sun cream all the way and long sleeve UV base layer, even in summer. Thank you GCN for this video and highlighting this important issue
I was gonna comment "the sun" before watching the video. But this is actually about sunscreen. Great video! Its super important.
also besides wearing sunscreen go to a screening by a dermatologist now and then.
I tend to be laughed at by my friends because I always have sunscreen on me during any kind of outdoor activity. Skin cancer is however a problem in my family and sadly my uncle has died from it. My dad and grandma have had non maliginous skin cancers removed so I'm quite weary. I also hate when people brag about how easy they get sunburn or how thats just no way to prevent that.
Important topic. I had the sunburn of my life during a cycling holiday on Gran Canaria where I bonked and it took me much longer that planned to get home. I had to ride the next day with arm warmers at 35 degrees because the skin was so sensible to sunlight. That was a lesson learned. A bit of spare suncream should be in every saddle bag. Well made video, when it‘s Si, you know it‘s a serious topic.
I’ve never bothered with sunscreen and honestly had no clue this exists. I’ll be protecting myself from here on out. Thank you so much!!!
Great video Simon, in Australia the sun is BRUTAL!! So most of us end up in the dermo's office getting chunks cut and frozen off, and the damage was done decades ago!
Tans look nice, but use tanning lotions, not the sun. The aim of the game is to look good all your life, just not for a decade or two ...
When I organise our club's weekly ride I often drop a "kids, remember your sunscreen" comment. I can see it can never be overstated.
Nice one, GCN. In Australia, we get the skin cancer message drummed into us at an early age, and most are very conscious of sun protection. Regular skin checks are a very wise idea, especially if you've had someone in your family with a melanoma. The idea of taking photos of any moles to keep a record is a great idea, and in Australia there are also some specialist clinics that keep a record of them to track changes.
Cancer doesn't run in my family, it gallops. I've had 4 family members die to different forms of cancer, while like 3 others are in treatment. My mother has the gene for skin cancer, had cancer her self and has had some moles surgically removed. When I go out cycling, I leave my house at 5:00 am, covered in the highest rating sun protector I can find and covered in head to toe. Long sleeves, long bibs, UV baselayer, UV4 sunglasses, long finger gloves. Minimum amount of exposed skin, been riding for years, I still look pale as a vampire and many kilometers in the saddle. Yes, I look like the quintessential MAMIL. But guess who is beating skin cancer? (So far)
Prevention is the best treatment! Morning cycling is the best, anyway 💪.
What's the trade of in risk between over- and underexposure? You need some sunlight to make vitamin D.
Baz Luhrmann’s been bleating on about it since 1999, about time we listened!
As an Australian I've been skin cancer aware all my life. I usually start early and am finished riding by 10am so mostly don't worry about sun block cream. But if it's a later start or a long day I put the cream on and take one of those hotel shampoo bottles with cream in for a reapplication.
Good job for bringing the topic up.
On the worst days I am out at 5 am and back by 8 am. (daylight saving time of course). I get to watch the sun slowly tint the sky with purples, reds then oranges and finally burst forth over the flat horizon. It is actually pretty good. Although in winter the skies are grey and leaden ( like a UK summer) so I ride in the afternoon when it has warmed up a bit.
Thank you for putting this video out there and for stacking it with so much great, informative content. I grew up back in the days when sunscreen was just to prevent sunburn and sunburn never hurt anyone - it was very ignorant times. Unfortunately, this has impacted the way I tend to think in my life to this day, and I’m pretty sure I’m still not taking this issue seriously enough. I need to get an appointment with a dermatologist ASAP so I know where I’m starting, because I think I’ve already probably developed skin cancer and left it untreated for much too long. The only good thing is that I don’t have any large lesions, but have developed quite a lot of smaller ones of a good variety.
If the cancer doesn’t kill you, the ignorance surely will. Take care of your skin and take these things seriously. It’s imminently treatable when found early, but if you play around and waste time, it _will_ kill you.
Stage 3c here. Cycling actually helped me through a very difficult time after multiple surgeries and to keep the immunotherapy treatments from bringing me down.
Melanoma is no joke.
Wear clothing. UPF cycling cap under the helmet and heat gear long sleeves under a cycling vest if too hot. Multiple hours?? Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen on your face and legs.
I’d rather be a bit warm then sitting looking longingly out the window.
The best is to wear a full face covering helmet that filters away UV-A. Then you don't need to mess with sunscreen on your face all the time.
I’ve lost count of the cancerous spots I’ve had removed.
When they started I wondered why. I always used sunscreen.
Researching sunscreen I discovered how ineffective it really is. Even reapplying it every hour as directed.
So I looked into UV rated bike gear. It turns out a long sleeved SUMMER RATED jersey is cooler than having sun beating on your forearms. Same for long legged bibs. The summer rated ones are cut low across the chest. My favorites have a black butt area, then lighter color on the top of the thigh.
UV rated bike gear is easier. And cleaner. A lot of sunscreens will stain your clothes. And being covered in lotion, every spec of grime and gnat sticks to you.
yep. Look at traditional clothing of peoples that live in deserts. Long robes, skin coverage, etc.
Thank you Simon I lost my dad to cancer
My grandpa has had quite a bit of skin cancer, and so this issue is quite close to home and I'm glad that you touched on it because it's not something that I've been thinking about but I've been outside almost all summer. I really appreciate the time you guys took out to do this video, thank you.
Important, informative video. Thanks GCN!
Thanks, we're glad you found it informative
The absolute best video ever about the dangers of uv rays and how and why to keep yourself safe. Should be compulsory viewing for everyone.
Great episode simon. I try to screen up, most times i do. Still i have gotten few miles off and remembered it only to go on. Helmet bags , glasses, fuel. Water. Sometimes i forget. Will double up on check list. Two thumbs up.
I'm so impressed with this video, definitely not what I was expecting from the title, but a super-important message delivered in a really informative and non-patronising way. This topic crosses over with my work and I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable about cancer, but I still learned things (eg UVA goes through glass!) - bravo.
Protip: Test out some different sunscreens. I started wearing more when I found one I really like (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer). Sunscreen review could be a good video too
Yep, sunscreen varies in scent, feel, and ease of application. Try different ones until you find one you like. I personally just use whatever Sport sunscreen I can find. Any other type immediately comes off with sweat.
Agreed. I also use different sunscreen on my face vs rest of body because no sunscreen is sweatproof and nothing is worse than having sunscreen drip into eyes.
@@nwbudro9210 getting hit by a car is worse.
I'm sure they'll get a good sponsored video...
In Australia we have worried so much about skin cancers and sun exposure we now have a epidemic in Vitamin D deficiency
I'm Afro-American and I've never even had a sun burn. I'm a Gulf War vet and spend many hours riding. I can't work anymore,cause I suffer from PTSD. I take out my frustration on hours of hardcore bike riding. Nice info to know though.
Skin color is the result of thousands of years of adaptation to environmental conditions. Sun is your friend my friend.
You know not to deny what you say or anything, but wouldn't really dark skin make it difficult to spot the red tan sunburns make? Sure if one gets bad sunburn then the skin starts to peel and everything, but I'm sure the kind of sunburn that is barely visible on my pale skin and doesn't make it peel or burn could go unnoticed on dark skin. It is true though that I don't get the peeling kind of sunburn on my arms or legs where they are tanned when I absolutely get them on the shoulders which are not.
Thanks for the great video - it's a huge issue here in NZ, where in the summer our burn times are so quick. When I lived in the UK I never got used to my colleagues going out to sunbeds in our lunch breaks! Over the Christmas hols, I did my longest ride at 50km and reapplied so much sunblock, but due to sweat and my arms/shoulders not really moving much, I still got so burnt, so disappointed in myself.
Australia's education system thoroughly drilled this into my brain lol. I never go out without sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Australia is also heavily affected by ozon holes right?
Yes, get burned here quickly
@@guicho271828 I think the Ozone hole is an environmental success story, hasn't it mostly recovered?
It will take up to 50 years too recover fully at current rates iirc.
@@guicho271828 Yes, it is. Hence the passive public health program on skin cancer.
I somehow didn't see this video until I requested you guys do one on this topic.
I'm a skin cancer survivor myself so I'm very much invested in the topic.
Thanks for doing this
Good reminder, I should get some of these lesions looked at. 👌
Absolutely true and essential video. Remind every rider I know about this and grateful to see more people talking about it, too.
Bravo for the reminder and info
Thanks for bringing this up. In 2005 I was lucky enough to have an early stage melanoma detected and removed. The same kind that killed my wife's uncle. At the very least, be aware of any changes in your skin.
As they advertise in Australia, "there is nothing healthy about a tan" and "don't let the sun see your DNA"
This is something constantly in the back of my mind when I'm outside.
There are several zinc-based sunscreens here in Australia which stay on a bit better than conventional sunscreens, and it gives a bit better protection too. However, they are a bit more expensive to buy. Veritasium and Physics Girl have videos on UV light and sunscreen which are quite interesting.
On a side note, I was amazed at how expensive sunscreen is in certain European countries when compared to Australia.
love that saying "don't let the sun see your DNA"
Now that's the GCN I like to follow... Good comprehensive advice around cycling as a lifestyle. In depth analysis of a great subject. Not the mainstream weight-gravel Cs road commercial stuff. Bravo!!
Thank you
I take her advice to heart to use sunscreen more often on long sunny rides, thanks GCN. However, using sunscreen on cloudy days and all year round in the UK seems rather excessive. I wonder if there's a more realistic middle?
My rule of thumb is if you can see your shadow, even a little bit, you can get too much UV. But if the clouds are really heavy, like it could almost rain, then you're OK without sunscreen.
You absolute legends. Thank you for this. My pops died in April 2020 of Melanoma. I've had so many people scoff when I told them it was skin cancer and not take it seriously. Most people don't realize that if melanoma progresses beyond the surface level, it's one of the least treatable cancers there is and has a nearly 100% death rate 5 years after diagnosis. Thank you so much for this Si!
I do wear sunscreen. Every ride! Apparently, mot enough though. What an eye opener! That amount of sunscreen would also become (yet another) monthly cycling expense, as I feel the small bottles you get don't have that many uses of 2x teaspoon amounts and it is pricy.
I also do get my skin checked every so often. This is because they found one mole they wanted to remove (not cancerous - was precautionary). Highly, highly recommend you get a referral from your GP to a specialist and stay on top of that. We're pretty much a case study in being susceptible to skin cancers, however, like the doctor said, it is also highly preventable. So just get a checkup on it every so often and wear that sunscreen! I was totally aware of these issues, but thanks for making others aware with this video, and I am still amazed by the amount of sunscreen! Lol.
You can buy small refillable bottles at pharmacies, so you don't have to buy small bottles.
@@MB-il4ii Yeah, but my point is the largest bottles I usually see are fairly small for the price, not that they come in small bottles.
Such a great video on a topic that we all know about but is rarely addressed on cycling channels. Bravo GCN.
If we all were doing what experts say to us, we wouldn't do anything at all, just trying to not die 24/7
Excellent advice and well explained. Please take heed. Far more important than a discussion about the best tyres, wheels and how much our bikes cost. Well done again GCN.
I would love to see some cycling-focused review videos on various sunscreens. I’ve had trouble finding one that lasts well without feeling super thick or rubbing off on bike surfaces.
I was hoping for some comments on the difference between lotion and spray versions.
This! I am extremely fair skinned and cannot stand the way most sunscreens feel - especially when I am being active cycling, running etc. Would love to hear favorites from those who have found something that works well and doesn't make you suffocate!
Very important video. This was a great reminder and I also learned new facts. As a trail runner and cyclist, I just had this conversation with my GP last month.
It should be mentioned that there are some areas of your skin that is more exposed than others. One example is my neighbour who used to be a postman and he got skincancer on the rear of his neck, which you wouldn't normall think of. So a brimmed hat or one of those shirts with a flap behind the neck would be good.
I've seen malignant melanoma on the tops of the ears of outdoor workers who wore construction helmets or baseball type caps. My husband has had a malignant melanoma on his left upper back resulting in wide excision of the cancer and inspection of sentinal lymph nodes for cancer. He is cancer free since 2002 but he does not want to wear sunscreen, and I haven't been able to convince him otherwise. He does get annual skin checks by his dermatologist.
Kudos for bringing this up to the center stage!
I have a lot of sun damage on my skin from growing up oblivious to the sun’s dangers.
I now wear sun sleeves, a cycling cap and sun screen on every ride.
Thank you Si and Dr. Ormerod...I am a skin cancer prone person. I use sunscreen when I get out of the shower now , so I don't forget . BUT..the reapplication is lacking....yeah. my bad..
Great video GCN, I have just been diagnosed with a BSC on my nose and a SCC on my chest, there goes my good looks, go and get checked people!
Because of this, I want everybody to be responsible and do all their cycling inside. Sell the convertible and always walk with an umbrella. Its permitted to sing music from the Mary Poppins soundtrack, but only sparingly.
Having had basil cell carcinomas along with the freezing, cutting and "burn & scrape" that often follows, I can say that this video may be the most important one y'all have produced to date. Excellent work. Thanks guys!
That's a lot of words I don't ever want to have to fully understand :/
Thanks so much for highlighting this. My takeaway from this is the need to reapply protection while out on a ride.
I had skin cancer removed from my right cheek. Decades of riding without sun block was likely a contributing factor.
After having a basal cell carcinoma cut from my face I can assure you that this is a serious problem for us cyclists. Sun screen is essential for every ride and it's important not to forget the ears. It was a very unpleasant lesson to learn!
I've seen a few other comments from Aussies about this, but I wear sunscreen even in winter (bald and pale, yay) because the Australian education and public health systems so frequently drill this into our collective brains. Slip, slop, slap. No hat, no play, etc. I'm fairly certain melanomas and other skin cancers used to be the biggest killer in Australia, if not the top three now we're contending with increased cardiovascular disease.
Wear sunscreen every time you go out! It's distinctly not aero, but a sun hoodie or cool, light material long sleeves will save you in the long run (and keep you cooler). I commute every day, and have no choice but to tackle the varying range of -8°C to 45°C temperatures we get over the seasonal extremes.
Hoping one day we'll get bib tights that aren't fleece lined, or designed for cold weather that can be used for summer riding to keep the sun off my knees and legs.
As a fellow Aussie I concur completely. I use UV sleeves in summer to protect my arms but you cannot get them for your legs. I have been riding for 30 years and swam for 10 year before that. I have had skin cancers cut from my face, chest, back and leg. Just use the 50+ every time. Get a yearly full body scan and examination. It may well save your life. One of your best Simon. Well done.
Terrific video. I'm sitting here recovering from my sixth surgery to remove basal cell and squamous cell cancers. This time, they had to rebuild half my nose with skin grafting. WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN EVERY RIDE!!!
A good video that’s actually not an ad. Thank you.
So you don't think it's an ad for all brands of sun screen?
@@stevemawer848 you think whatever you wanna think, Steve. 😂
@@ariffau Well, you obviously do, so I shall.
@@stevemawer848 cheers.
Another Great Video. I am a Skin Cancer survivor and I cycle all the time. I had 2 large operations and was out of work for 9 weeks and it took me 4 months to get back to a normal life. This is a fantastic educational Video about Skin Cancer. Thank you. I think you will help some people with this video.
I feel like this video was personally attacking me 😅 My Dad has had to have some skin cancer removed. Alright alright… I’ll wear the dang sunscreen. Thanks GCN for making me face something I’ve been ignoring.
Brandon, Yeah, I've had some basil skin cancer at 72 and a life of cycling mostly without sun screen. I didn't think about it much when I was young, but I do think about it now. My dermatologist didn't tell me to stay out of the sun, he knows there are benefits from vitamin D. So it's good you are aware of it and wear your sun screen. I'm sorry I didn't most of my life.
Ive been putting off seeing a dermatologists. I need to go. Thia helped light a fire. Thank you. Very informative.
Honestly thought the answer was going to be impatient Audi drivers
Great helpful video and super reminders! I'm using it even in overcast conditions because as the Dr says, cloud cover doesn't protect you, it just fools you and lulls you into dangerous complacency! Thanks GCN & Si for timely info!!
As a scientist I can't let one sided argument go. Here are important opposing facts: 1) While UV radiation is indeed great factor in causing skin cancers, it is also required for our organism, Vit D generation in particular 2) There are large primitive populations in the Tropics living with great, unfeathered Solar exposure throughout the year... incidences of skin cancer in those populations are way below Western nations, orders of magnitude below 3) Incidences of skin cancer in Western nations are well tracked over recent history as is the usage of sunblock creams... Undeniable fact is that as in the West usage of sunblock have dramatically risen over time, over the same period incidences of skin cancer not only didn't drop but also risen quickly.
How to really protect ourselves from anecdotal evidence in my Central European, pale skinned family: One part of our wider family went to live and work (jobs with great daily Sun exposure) in the 1950s on the coast of Mediterranean. As was the practice in 1950s there (and they followed it for their lives) there was NO sunblock usage of any kind. People assisted their skin capabilities with olive oil, that's it. Not only that I wrote elementary school essay on how my aunt's skin was incredibly soft and nice (that it would impress even a child)but this part of the family turned out most healthy in general sense: aunt died in her late 80s, uncle will be 100 next year and is not only living but you could confuse him for 50-60yr old and is still out in the Sun daily... From their experience, I'd say, make use of the Sun, assist skin by moisturizing and keeping it natural and supple so that it uses Solar benefits and protects itself naturally against damages. Aftre all, we are a species that emerged under the hot, unshaded Sun of the African grassy savannah, we are equipped with all that is needed to be heavily exposed to it (if not need it for our health).
So, you are saying we should trust your anecdotal evidence and believe that sun screen causes cancer by a mere correlation? That's why I trust real scientists. They know what they are doing, you certainly do not.
Yes. Nutrition plays a big role in how well our skin can protect itself from the sun.
Could the asnwer be how Westerners want to look "cool" with their sunglasses? As everybody knows, skin colour changes, to some extent, in response to sun exposure. The trigger for that response is the pituitary gland. Under
natural circumstances, almost as soon as you are exposed to the sun, your pituitary gland produces hormones that act as boosters for your melanocytes, and your melanocytes start producing melanin on overdrive. Unfortunately,
it's very easy to disrupt that process. The pituitary gland gets its information from the optic nerve - when the optic nerve senses sunlight it signals the pituitary gland to kick-start the melanocytes. Guess what happens when you're wearing sunglasses? Much less sunlight reaches the optic nerve, much less warning is sent to the pituitary gland, much less melanocyte-stimulating hormone is released, much less melanin is produced - and more sunburn results.
@@stevemawer848 Very interesting! I learned something. I didn't think the eye had something to do with our ability to tan.
Agreed! I recommend checking out dermatologist Richard Weller's work if you don't know about him. His Ted talk is a good introduction.
Thank you so much for that skin care video. I grew up when getting sun burned was just part of the summer ritual to get a tan. My mother used aluminum foil reflectors to speed up the tan. We know so much more now about the price you pay for too much sun. I have had only had one small spot removed from an ear and it tested to be basal cell carcinoma. I use sun block for all my outdoor activities that more than 10 minutes long. My cycling jerseys back in the 1970's materially weren't as advanced as we have today. They were heavier, thicker and larger pores than we have in our elastane, polyester and nylon blends. The brand name was sewn on with black felt letters that blocked all the UV light. I got a tan on my back except where the black letters were. I had a skin white Motobecane across my tanned back.
I live in Australia which has a well deserved reputation when it comes to climate extremes. Skin Cancer is not a joke. It is absolutely a risk always, and your best defence is to use a sun screen. IF your ride is longer than 5-10 minutes in direct sun, use Sun Screen. If your total cycling time in direct sun is going to be longer than 10 minutes per day, use Sun Screen.
Oh yeah, I recently read that 2/3 of australians get skin cancer in their life, which I found pretty shocking. I think if I lived there I'd bathe in sunscreen.
@@SaHaRaSquad only white skin
@@BlackMamba-lt8oe Did you watch the video? Much less risk yes, but there is still a risk.
@@BlackMamba-lt8oe No skin is immune, people like aborigenes have lower skin cancer rates but they still get skin cancer often enough.
@@discbrakefan yes anything can happen to anyone,
Great topic and very informative. Well presented too. Stay safe out there people
I wonder how good sports-focused sunscreen is. I recently saw one targeted at cyclists claiming to stay effective for 8 hours and being resistant to sweat. I think if this is true it might be interesting for longer rides, but it's difficult if not impossible for the average consumer to verify.
the best bet when applying sun screen is to determine your burn time-if you burn in 30 minutes, the spf # will extend that. Spf 50 plus 30 min gives you 80 min. Reapply at 80 or cover up.
I've never had an issue with Riemann P20 staying on all day on the bike.
It is all marketing. If one company claims their product lasts longer than the competitor, they will sell more. There is no way for us normal people to test those claims, so they get away with it and get rich.
Thank you GCN for this very important informations. I find this one very helpful.
I need to show this to my 'sun-sister' who crimates herself in the sun with no suncream. I have personally not had any issues with this but a very informative video.
uk is cold country
@@BlackMamba-lt8oe I agree there. I have raynauds so I’m usually in jumpers for 98% of the year.
Great subject. I had melanoma from my surfing days at 39 and learned the lesson. Now I am 58 and skin healthy.
where does the cancer appear on tanned surface or anypart of the body
Humans who recklessly drive Motor Vehicles, Distracted Driving are the real threat
potholed roads in india are more dangerous
@@BlackMamba-lt8oe potholes in general
Both are threats
When I first got into cycling this was one of the first things I started thinking about. My mom’s side of the family has a history of skin cancer. I live in Florida so protection from the sun is important sun screen is a requirement.
this is one reason I am consistently surprised that there are so few summer weight cool long sleeve jerseys out there in the major brands. I have searched around for these
I have independent sleeves that you can pull up your arms if going on a mid day ride.
Possibly one of your most important videos. Good work.
I've had extreme cycle tans in the past, and am more recently admitting to myself that all tanning is a sign of skin damage and should be avoided.
Sun screen is going in my bag with the tire pump and patch kit
i dont use sunscreen
@@BlackMamba-lt8oe I don't for most rides, but I have known for a long time I should
What a great subject to highlight in one of your videos. I normally ride early morning, and applying sunscreen isn’t one of my ride ‘rituals’. I use sunscreen in the day though, this video is a timely reminder that I’ve been a bit of an idiot! I will slap it on even on my early rides from now on. Thanks GCN 👍
Well done for covering this important topic. I'm a lifelong cyclist living in South Africa. I didn't take the risks seriously enough. At 50 I have an annual dermatologist check-up. Unfortunately the chickens do eventually come home to roost and I've had numerous questionable leisons exicised. Don't neglect the sunscreen around the side of your face, the ears (especially above & behind them) and the back of the neck. Had my first Basal Cell Carcinoma this year and still fortunately no Melanoma. I could kick myself as most of the damage would have been easily avoidable. Take care of your skin and yourself. 🙂
Well done GCN. A topic rarely discussed in the bunch, even here in Australia . Thanks for some really practical and useful advice.
Great content. For this Brit in Japan, suncream is a daily ritual from Spring - Autumn. I've even got burnt with the winter sunshine!
It's a little counterintuitive I guess, but yeah winter sunshine can cause a lot of sunburn. I'm sure I've gotten sunburned on the face many times when skiing. The doctor in the video says snow reflects a lot of UV light and increases exposure, and another thing snow does is reflect a lot of light and blind you. I guess it's more effective to judge how fast you'll get burned by light intensity and not temperature, even if we all judge it by the latter.
LOL Si at the clip of you wiping it across your eyes! Great and informative video. I think sun sleeves might be the best solution for riders at least for our arms.
Thank you for putting out this video. Very important and very well done. As a cyclist and 2 time skin cancer survivor I now know the importance of sun cream. My 1st skin cancer meant I had to stop riding an upright bike as I had some damage when they removed my lymph nodes that meant I couldn't lean on the handlebars. Fortunately after a year I discovered recumbents and in particular velomobiles which are so much more fun and comfortable than uprights anyway and have the added benefit that most of your body is covered. After a couple of years of stretching and exercise I was able to ride an upright again but rarely do. Once you have a velomobile there is no turning back.
When I was riding Century rides, I always carried a big tube of SP40 skin block. I still use it on training rides. I guess people thought that I was a bit strange. I'm glad that you ran this story.