Facing a Skin Cancer Diagnosis

I always thought that little spot on my face was just an ingrown beard hair. When it stuck around for another summer, though, I started to have concerns about my initial diagnosis.

The dermatologist circled the bothersome bump situated a few inches below my right ear along the jawline.

“How long has this been here?” she inquired.

In my head, a frantic voice screamed, Way too long! But instead, I mumbled, “I don’t know… maybe a year?” I still held onto hope that she would tell me it was probably nothing to worry about.

Two months later, I found myself in a Mohs surgery chair, where a skilled surgeon would take a slice of flesh from my face to remove the cancer cells. The Mohs method involves excising the area affected by nodular basal cell carcinoma, then sending it off to a lab for microscopic examination. The goal is to confirm that the outer edge of the removed skin is clear of cancer cells. I was told to arrive at 7 a.m. and plan to stay for the day, as they would continue to cut out larger sections until no more cancer cells were detected.

Fortunately, they managed to remove it all in one go. I’m now officially cancer-free. It’s a strange feeling, especially considering how many years I’ve spent fishing with countless hours under the sun, often without any protection.

The Tough Math

Here’s the tough math that other anglers might want to ponder: I grew up in a time when sun exposure wasn’t a serious concern for most people. As a child, I would experience at least one major sunburn each summer, complete with blisters. By the time I reached adulthood, the long-term harmful effects of sun exposure had become more widely discussed. I took this information somewhat seriously, but, let’s be honest, I wasn’t flawless. Though I have always been a safety-conscious angler, keeping sunscreen in my boat, my application habits weren’t as consistent as they should have been. I thought I was ahead of the game, especially compared to many others I fished with.

But that still meant decades of harmful sun exposure were behind me. Those years can’t simply be wiped away, and many of us are dealing with the consequences now.

My intention in sharing this isn’t to push anyone into a dermatology visit unnecessarily. I felt compelled to talk about my experience because basal cell carcinoma is common, particularly for those who spend significant time outdoors, and it can often be overlooked. I found myself easily convincing myself that my situation wasn’t severe—certainly not cancer. Not me.

Get Checked

I’m not a doctor, and I’m certainly not in a position to give medical advice. However, if you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, especially on the water, consider getting a skin evaluation. While my type of cancer was quite slow-growing, putting off a check-up can be risky. Some cancers are much more aggressive, and early detection can significantly influence outcomes.

What I Wear Now

As one might guess, receiving a cancer diagnosis has made me completely committed to being smarter moving forward. Luckily, in recent years, the market has seen a rise in sun-protective clothing specifically designed for fishermen, making it harder to find excuses for not taking care of myself.

Here are a couple of my go-to products. Although numerous reputable clothing brands offer stylish and effective hooded sun shirts, I keep reaching for the FXR Derby Air UPF Pullover Hoodie. It’s lightweight and comfy but seems built to last. The colors remain vibrant no matter how much sun exposure it endures or how often it goes through the wash.

I’ve also gotten into the habit of wearing sun gloves while I fish. This summer, I’ve been using FXR’s Tournament UPF Gloves. They’re durable, comfortable, and come in sizes that fit my large hands.

Even though I wear a hood most of the time now, I still apply sunscreen on any exposed skin. For that, I’ve been using CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50, a recommendation from my wife. Unlike typical sunscreens, it feels more like a moisturizing lotion—it’s non-greasy, unscented, and genuinely effective.

I know that none of these protective measures can undo the years of damage I’ve already accrued. But I’m determined to avoid giving cancer any new chances to take hold.