When Jennifer Baker was told by her GP that she had to see a hospital specialist immediately, she knew something serious was going on. Jennifer, 59, had discovered a lump on her upper thigh while sitting out in the sun on a warm day in 2020.
Thinking it was just a cyst, she wasn't even sure whether to bother her GP. But she did and arrangements were made for the cyst to be removed.
However, when the results came back, Jennifer, who is married and from Suffolk, was shocked to learn that what she had thought was a harmless cyst was in fact merkel cell carcinoma- an aggressive and very rare type of skin cancer.
Jennifer said: “My GP said I had to go to the specialist at the hospital immediately, his tone of voice scared me.”
She was immediately referred to a dermatologist, who booked her in for a PET scan. The PET scan results confirmed she was all clear, however the consultant recommended surgery to remove the surrounding tissue, as well as a sentinel lymph node biopsy to ensure that all cancer cells were removed. This was followed by a full course of radiotherapy.
Jennifer is now undergoing alternative ultrasound and CT scans every three months, which will continue for the next three years, followed by a scan every six months for the following two years.
She said: “I feel so lucky that I contacted my GP about the lump... initially I didn't want to bother, thinking it was just a cyst, and especially as they were so busy with Covid etc. I am so grateful my GP agreed to take it out, and then doubly grateful for how fast my consultant and the NHS moved to treat this aggressive cancer.”
Jennifer was born in Australia and moved to the UK aged 27. Reflecting on the attitudes towards sun safety of herself and her peers whilst growing up, she added: “In the '70s when I was a child it was a badge of honour arriving at school on a Monday to see who had the worst sun burn. In my teens we were obsessed with getting that bronze surfer chick look.”
By the 1980s people had started to become more aware of the dangers of sun damage and skin cancer, although Jennifer admitted: “As many young people ignore things that 'might happen when you get older' – I ignored it.”
Now, Jennifer’s attitude couldn’t be more different- and she hopes to encourage others to consider protecting themselves in the sun and spread awareness that it’s never too early, or too late to take sun safety seriously.
Karis Betts, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s important to remember the sun isn’t only strong abroad. In the UK it can be strong enough to burn between mid-March and mid-October and is strongest during the middle of the day, not when it’s hottest.
“It’s also important to remember that every sunburn counts and it’s never too late to start protecting yourself in the sun, at any age. 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."
Jennifer is supporting Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN’s partnership. The partnership, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, offers advice and tips on enjoying the sun safely and has raised millions for vital skin cancer research. For information visit cruk.org/sunsafety
