by Jon Walker I have been gone from Arabia for over 57 years, excluding a one year military tour in 1976-77. A couple years ago, I had an occurrence of a melanoma skin cancer which was caught early and removed. Within a few months I was diagnosed with a lesser form of cancer called a basal cell carcinoma. I recently passed my fifth year of non-recurrence for the melanoma due to early detection and the removal from my arm. The basal cell occurred on the opposite arm and it also was removed and had not recurred until ten days ago. This time it came back on my same arm, however, up on the shoulder area. I just got off the phone with my doctor, and I am happy to say "they got it all" again. Of course, this is a lesser from of skin cancer, not usually connected to the dangers of melanoma. I write this to let you know that those of us raised in Arabia have to be very careful of watching our skin eruptions and as a fair complected red head, I was especially vulnerable to the UV rays. I do not ever recall having access to SPF type prevention while there. It took many years for my skin eruptions to show themselves, but they did finally 'surface' so to speak. I am writing to warn all of you so exposed to see a Dermatologist if ANYTHING shows or surfaces. Get whatever it is looked at, treated, or excised/removed as soon as possible. DO NOT wait. I have been fortunate, but more through sheer dumb luck than aware of what could have happened. Skin cancers are the most prevalent of the cancers and are on the rise statistically even in the U.S. Use SPF coverings when exposure to the sun rays is expected, be aware and most of all, remember treatment early equals an almost 90+% chance of successful treatment. For more information, click the button below. 
Jon Walker DH 51