A Scottish mum has cautioned against people using sunbeds after she was given a horrifying incurable skin cancer diagnosis despite her skin having no visible mole.
Melissa Young, from Kirkcaldy, contracted coronavirus in September 2021 and after having symptoms including a high temperature and sweats, she also found a small lump under her arm.
The mother-of-two says that there was no sign of changes to her before she was told that she had stage three melanoma. Melissa discovered that she had the incurable condition after she had been sent for a mammogram and a scan by her GP. The 44-year-old said that the cancer was eventually discovered with the advanced cancer in December.
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Unfortunately, by the time it was noticed, the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes. She added that despite doctors being unable to find what had caused the cancer, she would use sunbeds regularly as she would go for a tan twice-a-week. But the diagnosis has led to her calling on others to avoid the sunbeds.
She told the Daily Record : “I was so shocked when I got the diagnosis as I didn't have a mole or any skin problems. I found the lump in my underarm while I had Covid, but I have no idea how long I'd had it for. If I hadn't caught coronavirus, I probably wouldn't have noticed it.
"The doctors aren't sure how it has developed but I would use sunbeds in summer twice a week. I wouldn't touch them now. Just use fake tan and be safe. Always wear sun cream when you are out in the sun. Just protect your skin.
"You can have skin cancer and not have any of the usual symptoms. It's really scary. The dermatologist actually said they couldn't see any skin damage so I had no symptoms, no skin damage, and I still ended up with skin cancer."
Melissa's tumour under her arm is located between two arteries, making it impossible to operate. She is now on life-prolonging immunotherapy which she receives once a month - but she has suffered significant side effects, including hormonal changes and muscle aches.
She is now desperate to make precious memories with husband Peter, 41, son Kurt, 28, and daughter Ellie, 10, so they have fond times to cherish when she is no longer here. Kurt is taking on the three peak challenge to raise funds so the family can fulfil Melissa's dream of going on a safari in Africa and take Ellie to Disneyland to give her a magical experience.
He has set up a fundraiser and donations can be made by clicking here.
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