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Eavan
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 75.164.173.192
Posted on Friday, October 04, 2013 - 10:39 am:   

Hi RPCVs,

I am contemplating applying to the Peace Corps. Most of the postings are tropical and I have very fair Celtic coloring, putting me in the highest risk group for skin cancer. How many of you pale-skinned travel enthusiasts have developed skin problems since working near the Equator? And would the PC ever consider this a legitimate reason to rule out the tropics? I'm told we have to be flexible, but I spent six years in India and Venezuela as a child and reckon that's about a lifetime dose of UV right there.
Joanne Roll
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 184.99.248.178
Posted on Friday, December 25, 2015 - 9:31 am:   

Eavan, I just saw this post, now. I have no idea how Peace Corps regards sun exposure. However, I served in the early 60s on the equator at 7500 feet. I came home with an undiagnosed discoid lupus lesion that became a basal cell carcinoma four years later. In those days, we did not know to take precautions from the sun. Also, some of the products and medication we took had photosensitizing potential. Again, we just didn't know.
Today, I think Peace Corps does carefully advise Volunteers about taking protection from the sun. But, if you are still interested or if anyone else is, I would advise a letter from a dermatologist that would outline any special risks you or others might face. I think it could be a problem. It is not just the tropics, it can also be the altitude.

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