A young woman is urging others to take care of their skin while in the sun, following her own battle with cancer.
As Scotland sees soaring temperatures, many people have their sights set on getting a golden tan. This kind of weather is rarely seen in this country, so most of us don't want to waste our time by staying indoors. But soaking up the sun is not without risks, especially when it comes to our skin.
It is common knowledge that over-exposing our skin to sunlight greatly increases our chances of skin cancer. According to the NHS, it is one of the most common cancers in the world - and it can be fatal if left untreated.
At 28, Zara Thomas never thought she would get cancer in her lifetime, let alone at such an early age. Being quite pale skinned, she knew she had many moles, but when one on her stomach kept changing and scabbing over she decided to visit her GP.
A few weeks after getting the mole removed, at her follow-up appointment a month later she was given the devastating news that she had melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer. She was also told she would need a further operation to check her lymph nodes.
Speaking to Wales Online, she recalled:"I went from initially thinking I had eczema to undergoing intensive surgery. Thankfully tests on my lymph nodes came back clear and after having five more moles removed over the next five years, I was discharged during the Covid pandemic."
Zara, now 35, a North Wales Police officer underwent treatment for the cancer in August 2015 and is now backing a campaign urging people to enjoy the sun safely this summer. Latest figures show around 870 people in Wales are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
She added: "It's really spurred me on to want to help others and spread the word about skin cancer prevention and early detection too. It could make all the difference, so I always encourage people to be safe in the sun and see their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their skin.
"I hope I can encourage people to think about their sun habits and take precautions. Sunburn doesn't just happen abroad or on summer holidays. It can happen in the UK, even on a cloudy day.
"It's tempting to want to make the most of warm weather, but getting sunburned increases your chance of getting skin cancer - so it's really important that people take care. Now I try and spend some time out of the sun, wear a hat, make sure my shoulders are covered and that I've got my sunscreen with me."
Zara, who was given the all-clear, has joined forces with Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun who are offering advice and tips on how people can protect their skin from the sun's rays.
Also supporting the campaign is Zara's partner, Adam Stiles, 29, who himself has recently had investigation into a mole on his stomach which proved negative.
While UK skin cancer rates are rising, particularly in men, experts say up to nine in 10 cases could be prevented by being safe in the sun and using a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen to avoid burning. Taking these three simple steps, they believe, helps to minimise the risk of lasting damage to DNA in skin cells which can lead to skin cancer.
Those at higher risk of sunburn include people with fair skin and hair or light-coloured eyes, as well as people with lots of moles and freckles or a family history of skin cancer.
Karis Betts, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, advises: "It's important to remember the sun isn't only strong abroad. It can be strong enough in Wales and across the UK to burn between mid-March and mid-October and is strongest during the middle of the day, not when it’s hottest.
"Avoid getting caught out by checking the UV index on the weather forecast or online. If it's three or above, it's time to think about sun safety – especially if you have light or fair-coloured skin or burn easily. Whether you're abroad, having a staycation or just out-and about, remember the three-step method to enjoy warm weather safely – seek shade, cover up and regularly apply sunscreen."
Cancer Research UK and NIVEA Sun are celebrating 10 years in partnership having raised millions for vital skin cancer research. Their top tips for staying safe in the sun are:
1. Seek shade - Between the hours of 11am-3pm in the UK
2. Cover up with clothing - Wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses
3. Apply sunscreen - Regularly and generously apply one with at least SPF 15 and 4 or more stars
For more information and tips, visit cruk.org/sunsafety.
To learn more about skin cancer signs and symptoms, click here.
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