Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 My onc said it is OK to tan on Gleevec. I have been on 400M for maybe 3 1/2 weeks with no severe side effects. What's opinion on tanning and Gleevec? Also, how long on Gleevec before more severe side effects set in? Thanks, Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hi Pam, You have to wonder about any doctor who is going to say that tanning is ok in this day in age. It wouldn't be much different than a doctor saying that smoking is ok. Aside from the obvious reasons why tanning would not be recommended (having one cancer is probably enough, why add a skin cancer to the mix) there is another very good reason why we should avoid tanning while on Gleevec. Gleevec inhibits an enzyme called C-kit. C-kit plays a role in melanine production which is what gives us our skin colour. When normal people tan, the melanine production is increased (this is what gives them that colour). Since Gleevec inhibits c-kit, you can't make the same amount of melanine that you normally would have and this can put you at an even higher risk of developing skin cancer. If the risk of skin cancer isn't enough to deter you, consider this, without melanine, you will not tan easily but burn instead. Most doctors recommend a high level SPF when in the sun and do NOT recommend tanning. You'll find over time, your skin will become more and more pale, all due to the inhibition of the melanine production. I noticed it more in my second and third year of Gleevec therapy but I've seen some people notice it right away. Take care, Tracey > > My onc said it is OK to tan on Gleevec. I have been on 400M for maybe > 3 1/2 weeks with no severe side effects. What's opinion on tanning and > Gleevec? Also, how long on Gleevec before more severe side effects set > in? > Thanks, > Pam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Boy, I have to second what Tracey has said. Tanning?! Really?! If something has gone wacky enough with your immune system that made you susceptible to developing leukemia, don't you think you'd be at a higher risk of developing melanoma, as well? Considering that the AMA has called for a ban on tanning beds, your doctor seems to be violating medical ethics. Maybe you should ask your doctor why he or she is a proponent of cancer-causing activity. G. www.cmlsupport.com [ ] Re: Gleeved and tanning Hi Pam, You have to wonder about any doctor who is going to say that tanning is ok in this day in age. It wouldn't be much different than a doctor saying that smoking is ok. \ <snip> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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