Rarbie,
I am a 35 year old red head living in Canada, I was diagnosed with Moderately differentiated SCC with lymphatic invasion earlier this year. I had resection and then radiation in June. My family Doctor actually misdiagnosed the patch of red scaly skin on my shoulder as " dry skin" three years ago...until it grew a pea sized bump a year ago. He then did a shave biopsy and reassured me that it was nothing, because i was too young to get skin cancer. Big surprise.
In speaking with the radiation oncolgist who is treating me, he said it is becoming more and more common, especially amongst us red heads. His first question to me was if I had been sunburned many times as a child ( yes)
I finshed the course of radiation in July, 15 treatments, and honestly I was not bothered by any real side effects, maybe a little fatigue, but that was it.
Hang in there, you'll do fine. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to share my expereinces
Dave