"My Experience with Doctors Removing Skin Cancer on my Nose" - OK! Magazine

The arrival of summer brings the need for sun safety practices. Regardless of whether you're staying at home or going on a sunny vacation, it's crucial to protect your skin, especially under a strong sun.

Every year, in the UK, around 17,000 new cases of severe melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed, making it the country's fifth most common cancer. Research indicates that approximately nine out of 10 of these cases could have been avoided through sun safety practices and shunning sunbeds.

Rachel Rawson, a cancer nurse specialist at Perci Health, says that year-round skin protection from sun damage is important, regardless of weather conditions, as sun exposure can result in sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer. With skin cancer rates "steadily rising" in the UK, certain factors, like skin type, family history and history of sunburn, can increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

Dr Timothy Woodman, medical director of policy and cancer services at Bupa UK, explains that people with pale skin, fair hair and those who burn easily are at higher risk. Furthermore, frequent sun exposure, ageing skin cells, a weakened immune system or medicines that suppress the immune system can increase this risk.

Piece of advice include the use of suncream, not just during sunny days but at all times. "Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ at least 30 minutes before stepping outside, and reapply every two hours, especially if swimming, sweating or towel drying", advises Rachel.

In the UK, UV rays can damage the skin from mid-March to mid-October, even on cooler, cloudy days. Steps to avoid skin cancer risks during this period include checking UV index information alongside temperature and weather forecasts, and taking proper precautions if the UV index is above three.

Additional precautionary measures include wearing protective clothing, such as UV-protected sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Certain medications and treatment can increase sun sensitivity, hence extra care is needed.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation representative, states, "Melanomas can sometimes develop through changing moles, but there are other warning signs too, such as a pale nodule on the skin, a wart-like lesion or a scaly patch." Any unusual or persistent skin changes should prompt a medical consultation.

A case in point is the story of Annie Wilson, a 38-year-old from Liverpool, who was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) after finding a mark on her nose, which she initially assumed was a spot.

Upon finding that "the spot" consistently grew back in the same place, looked unusual and felt itchy, she sought medical advice. Despite her nursing background, hearing the word "cancer" was a heavy blow for her.

I went for my first surgery in February and they cut a piece out of my nose the size of a 5p coin. The piece was sent to histology, which found that the cancer had spread towards the nostril, so I had a second surgery six weeks later. Thankfully, I’ve now had the all-clear.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a sun worshipper, but I didn’t take any precautions. I barely wore any sun cream, I barely wore a hat, I used to use sunbeds. I grew up in the 90s, so I didn’t realise the dangers.

Now I wear factor 50 every day, whether it’s cloudy or raining. I still go outside, but when I take the dog out I wear a hat and I try not to go outside when the sun is at its peak. My whole attitude has changed.”

O2 has partnered with The British Skin Foundation and Green People to create a limited edition smartphone accessory with a 10ml sunscreen tube to help people stay protected throughout the day