Dear Reader,
This is a public service announcement. It is one I wish I had heeded through much of my younger years. I wish I had listened to Ann Landers.
I met her, once, as a high school senior. Staff members of our student newspaper were invited to a press conference at the Chicago Sun Times, which is where Ann Landers originally wrote for. Actor Hugh O’Brian was in town promoting the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program and I was among the lucky few from our school that attended.
Mr. O’Brian was the very handsome actor many of you might remember for his television role as Wyatt Earp. Do you remember that television series? The Legend of Wyatt Earp. Sigh. The girls in our group were as giddy as teenage girls can be. The boys in our group were full of machismo, for this WAS Wyatt Earp (brave, courageous, and true).
We somehow managed to get to the event on time, found seats in a press room, chatted with each other and with students from other newspapers; then we fell silent as Hugh O’Brian came into the room. For most of us, this was a first time of seeing an actor in real life as opposed to a black and white television screen. Hugh O’Brian was as dreamy in person as he was on-screen – and he was as committed to his program for youth as anyone could be. We listened, took notes, and Janice, the editor-in-chief of our paper, raised her hand and posed a question. Somewhere, in a box, in the bowels of our basement, sits a news clipping of the event, quoting Janice’s question, with my hair showing. These things are important when one is seventeen.
As the press conference started to wind down, a side door opened and a sprightly, diminutive woman in a classy suit, high heels, and higher hair 
rushed in. Hugh O’Brian was “way cool”, but, this tiny woman with lots of spunk was none other than Ann Landers, the syndicated columnist who gave advice on boyfriends and marriages, mothers-in-law and nosy neighbors. She even ventured into such topics as basking in the sun. Almost everyone I knew read her columns, which were often clipped out and left on the kitchen table in case the “shoe fit” for some bit of advice.
Miss Landers has a strong voice and a stronger presence. I remember her whisking in and commanding the room as she gave us a few bites of journalistic wisdom and encouraged us to follow our dreams.
How I wished I had listened to one piece of her advice. Ann Landers wrote early, and often, of the hazards of sitting in the sun, warning that sun would age her readers and worse. It would cause cancer.
I thought about whether or not to write about my recent bout with a pre-cancerous skin condition. I’m fine, really; a month of some nasty cream on my face, a bit of discomfort and worry, but, I’m fine. Eight years ago I had a basal cell growth removed from my nose; a little cut and paste by a plastic surgeon and no one knows it was there. Since then, religiously, I go in yearly for a full body screening. This past December my dermatologist said “ah, we have something we need to take care of”. Nothing I had noticed, but, she did, it was treated, and I am grateful.
I tell you this now not for you to worry or feel badly for me. Please don’t. I tell you this as a reminder to use sunscreen and protection. Stay out of the sun. The problems I have experienced, and will likely continue to, are a direct result of worshipping the sun all those years ago, even after a tiny women with strong words wrote to all who would read to beware of what damage the sun could do. I ignored her. Several months after the press conference, I went to Chicago’s Oak Street Beach with friends and managed a very bad sun burn. My mom cut out her column and left it on the table. The “shoe fit” – and still, I sat in the sun, again and again.
Do check your skin regularly. Use sunscreen and hats. Make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist for a skin check, especially if you have ever had a bad sun burn or have a light complexion, and if you notice anything suspicious, be proactive – and listen to Ann Landers. I sure wish I had.
Well, there is so much to say to this post, Penny! I certainly had the same response to Hugh O’Brian, and have very fond remembrances associated with reading and talking about the advice given by Ann Landers. I think you’re right that it’s very exciting your hair made it into the papers. LOL!
I am sorry for your skin cancers, pre-cancer or not, they’re difficult to work with. It is a miracle that I haven’t had trouble–yet! I was raised at the beach and we didn’t do anything to protect our skin back then. But my poor husband’s body is a veritable roadmap of scars from skin cancers that have been removed over the past fifteen years, and some of them have been very challenging. The last time he had a large one surgically removed from his forehead he really paid for it in stitches…and amused the nurse with his comment, “How am I ever going to be fit for the cover of AARP if you keep this up!” It’s not a laughing matter, but it’s something we live with, and I’m sorry you’ve also been caught! Like I said, why I haven’t yet, eludes me. But your advice remains perfect! At all ages, we need to protect our skin. I often look a little funny because my floppy hats go with me everywhere! oxo
Ah, these things, like hair, that we put importance on. Hair and cars. One of our cars was featured in a Robert DeNiro movie (another story for another day, tee hee).
So sorry about your husband’s skin cancers. Once these buggers start showing up, we can be certain there will be more. What a sense of humor he has, Debra! We do need to laugh in spite of our troubles – and I expect to see him on the cover of AARP. Actually, as we all age, I suspect we will be seeing more and more skin cancers. In my telling of this, I am just hoping that all will be vigilant and do what they can now for protection.
Here’s to floppy hats and sunscreen!
How good that you’ve had these skin cancers picked up so quickly. Here in NZ we have to take extra care about sun damage. I’ve had a couple of basal cell growths and precancerous spots treated. Only this year I used the cream for two spots on my face. The cream is a gentle way of treating them, and leaves no scar. Most of my friends have regular checks also. If only we had an Ann Landers to advise us when we were young and getting sunburned! But then again, we might have taken no notice.
I know, Juliet. We count our blessings when they come, don’t we? I think there are quite a large number of us who are experiencing these conditions; sorry to hear that you have had some occurrences, but, good that they have been treated. Now that I’m through with the cream, my face has settled down and is actually smoother. It is a more gentle treatment, for which I am grateful.
I’m afraid it is human, and youthful, nature to not listen to our elders’ advice and then pay the price as we get older. Still, here we are, you and I, giving the advice to those younger, hoping they will take heed.
I hadn’t thought of the added concern there in NZ, but, of course, you must with all your days of sunshine and outdoor activities.
First of all, what an amazing experience for you and Janice, with Wyatt Earp. I bet Janice remembers exactly what her question was…. and possibly the answer…but maybe she was so in awe, she missed what he actually said.
As for Ann Landers, I recall reading her every day of my time in Wisconsin, in the Sheboygan Press…..that and the Garfield cartoon were part of what kept me sane sometimes, when I was missing home, or just struggling a little to come to terms with the differences in culture I was experiencing in small town mid western America. Ann Landers’ tone, her good common sense and her ability to cut through nonsense and offer timeless advice was somehow part of what I thought America should be about !
Lastly ( you’ve got me on a roll here)….her skin cancer advice…..probably in a time before we were all so aware of the sun’s dangers…especially as far north as Chicago……How typical of that smart lady to pick up on it, and try to give the nation such an important message. It’s also amazing that you remember it so well. I’m so pleased your scare has been sorted, and that your post today will have pointed out AL’s original message to another group of readers. Keep monitoring things……and enjoy the shade ! Fondest wishes from another Janice x
I’m sure Janice would remember her question. She was very focussed and very smart. I was the silly ninny in awe of Marshall Earp. tee hee
Such an interesting memory, Janice, and a way of to work through homesickness. Wouldn’t Ann Landers, and Garfield, be pleased to know that they helped you through this time with their words? You are so right; Ann Landers did “cut through the nonsense” and she appealed to the better nature of us here in the states. She also tackled social issues that no one else was addressing at the time.
Keep on rolling, dear Janice. It is good to “talk” here. I think there was always a little voice in my conscience that was saying “Penny, get out of the sun” even as I sat and toasted myself to a tan. With others, like yourself, dealing with more complicated health issues, I hesitated to draw attention to myself, but, then thought that if I did, a few would take notice, use protection, be vigilant for spots and changes. Thank you for your good wishes. It is always good to hear from you, Janice.
So glad you’re fine…and a good reminder to get checked! I have yet to get a full-body screening, and I probably should. I’ve spent a LOT of time in the sun. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you, Jennifer. Me too. It is never too early to get a screening, especially if you have been in the sun. You are most welcome, my dear.
Oh, Penny. You will be in my prayers. Any such diagnosis is serious to the person who gets it.
Thank you, Andra. I’m doing fine, just wanted to share in hopes that it will bring about an awareness to others. Like you say, any “diagnosis is serious to the person who gets it” and I appreciate your saying so.
Yup! I’m a blond (well I was once) in Florida, so I slather the sun screen but probably not enough. I see the dermatologist every summer in Oregon and get the lecture — and the checkup. Nothing for the past few years after the first pre-cancer things that I had removed. Actually, I think the damage was done when I was young too. Take care. It isn’t fun.
Good for you, Sallie. It is that vigilance of a yearly check that we need. I call this the “sin of my youth”, meaning spending so much time tanning. I will, thank you. Let’s both remember that sun screen.
[...] for Penny at Life on the Cutoff, I have attached a photo of the peppermint peach tree in full bloom in front of the Fireproof [...]
Again, Andra, I thank you for posting the picture of the peppermint peach. I”m wondering if they grow in our gardening zone. Must check that out.
Can’t say Wyatt Earp ever did it for me or that I have heard of Ann Landers either but your words about staying out of the sun are crucially important – wherever you heard them. I am sorry you didn’t heed the wise advice quite enough and I have heard that small internal voice myself that says, get out of the sun. I’m very fairskinned and do keep out of the sun and it’s especially important as I live in such a hot, sunny place now.
I hope the month of unpleasant creaming passes quickly and all is soon well.
Axxx
Right you are, Annie. How I wish I listened back then, for I would be far better off now. When young, we often think nothing bad will happen to us, and I always felt I looked healthy tanned. Duh? Now, it is slather up with sun screen, don the brimmed hat, and stay in the shade as much as I can.
I’m doing fine, thank you. A wee spot on my nose for a few weeks more, and I’m “good to go” for the time being. Thank you, Annie, for your comment.
“High heels and higher hair” – wonderful writing, Penny and with a very important message. Not all skin cancers are as easily dealt with as basal cell and it’s a message we really do need to keep repeating to the next generations, so thank you for sharing your experience.
I’ve never heard of Ann Landers, but I do follow her advice as I’m blonde and fair-skinned and burn very easily. In fact since a holiday in Barbados in 1990 I’ve always kept out of direct sunlight when I can as I developed a sun-sensitivity while there which gives me a horribly itchy rash if I sit in the hot sun for more than a few minutes. Pale and interesting is the look I now cultivate.
“Pale and interesting” is my look as well, Perpetua. Ann Landers was syndicated in many newspapers here and lived in Chicago. In her time, folks either read her, or, her twin sister who was called Abigail Van Buren. The two had a horrible “row” for many years, involving their columns, and didn’t talk to each other. Eventually, they made up. Ann Landers was in the newspapers we got (yes, newspapers) and I was thrilled to get to meet her as a teenager. Just wished I listened.
That must get tricky for you with sun-sensitivity. I had what was called sun poisoning once, when we were in Hawaii. I was one big rash and it was quite bothersome. It seems doubly horrible to develop these things on holiday, doesn’t it?
Thank you. This photo doesn’t give her high hair justice. It was ratted/teased as high as can be, as was stylish for a time here.
You are so right; basal cell is the easiest to treat, if something must be treated. I really wanted to make others aware of the need to stay out of the sun, use protection if in it, and to get checked regularly. Let us keep that message going.
Interestingly, I’ve heard of Ann Landers’ sister, Abigail Van Buren, but not Ann herself.
Thankfully my sun sensitivity only kicks in if I try to spend much time out in hot midsummer sun, so I use plenty of sunscreen and try to shelter in the shade and look out at the sunny landscape.
Penny, I am so glad you’re well, though I am sorry you had the worry. You handle the whole business with great wisdom. What we have done in the past we cannot change, but the precautions you take keep you safe and well for your lovely family, and so that we might come every few days to read about life on the Cutoff. These days, I feel I know it, it is so familiar in my mind’s eye, and you and Tom at its centre. Lots and lots of love. Enjoy the new life that unfolds with the Spring.
Kate, I somehow missed you comment here, so, will reply should you come back. I’m doing well with this little concern, more careful when going out in the sun and such, and really just wanted to caution my readers to treat their skin with respect. Thank you, Kate.
I shudder to think of all the time I spent in the sun when I was young. I’m glad to hear that you are ok! I really don’t remember Hugh O’Brian, but I sure do remember Ann Landers!
Thanks, Janet. I am fine, truly, and realistic enough to know that I will have more issues as time goes on. All that early sunning has come back to haunt me. If this is the worst of it, I can manage. Since you did spend time in the sun, it is not too early to get your first skin scan by a dermatologist.
Hugh O’Brian was probably just a bit before your time. Ann Landers was such a household name, wasn’t she?