This Aussie mum's skincare scare will make you rethink sun safety forever
- Replies 4
When it comes to skin health, we often overlook the smallest of signs, thinking they’re harmless.
But what if one seemingly insignificant mark could be a wake-up call?
Keep reading to find out why this is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the sun.
It all began with a small 'little red dot' on Rachel Olivia's face – a barely noticeable mark that most people would overlook.
What seemed like a simple pimple that she had ‘squeezed too hard’ soon transformed into a life-changing experience as it evolved into a large scab, prompting a crucial lesson about skin health and cancer awareness.
Rachel, who was going about her life blissfully unaware of the potential danger, finally decided to seek medical advice after a year of noticing the mark on her forehead.
A biopsy confirmed her worst fear: it was a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Rachel shared her story in a video on social media, cautioning others to be vigilant about their skin. ‘It was a little skin cancer... a basal cell carcinoma,’ she explained in the post.
In the video, Rachel showed herself posing for a mirror selfie, the large scab clearly visible on her forehead, and spoke directly to her audience.
Her treatment plan involved a topical cream that encouraged her immune system to target the cancerous cells. She said the treatment had been effective, though it left her with an 'angry' scab that she now had to wear for the next two weeks.
‘I’m rocking this bad boy for the next two weeks,’ she said, explaining that she hoped the treatment would be enough to eliminate the malignant cells.
To her followers, she had one key piece of advice: ‘This is your sign to wear sunscreen and a hat.’
As Australia welcomed summer, Rachel's story was a timely reminder for Aussies to prioritise skin checks and sun safety.
The Cancer Council's estimates for 2024 were worrying, with nearly 19,000 people expected to be diagnosed with melanoma due to Australia's high UV radiation.
Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Committee, shared some sobering statistics: ‘Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.’
However, there is good news – skin cancer is nearly entirely preventable.
The ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’ message had never been more relevant. This simple mantra emphasises the importance of sun protection, and Cust urged all Australians to follow these steps whenever UV levels were three or higher.
She also highlighted the use of resources like the ‘SunSmart’ app and the Bureau of Meteorology website for real-time UV-level updates.
Rachel’s experience has served as a wake-up call to many, underscoring the importance of taking preventative measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. For many of us, embracing safe sun practices could mean the difference between healthy skin and an uphill battle with skin cancer.
In a previous story, we shared how a 'stubborn pimple' turned out to be something much worse. Find out how another Aussie’s encounter served as an eye-opener for sun safety and self-care.
Read the full story here.
Have you ever noticed a mark on your skin that made you pause? Share your thoughts or your own stories in the comments – we’d love to hear how you prioritise your skin safety.
But what if one seemingly insignificant mark could be a wake-up call?
Keep reading to find out why this is a must-read for anyone who spends time in the sun.
It all began with a small 'little red dot' on Rachel Olivia's face – a barely noticeable mark that most people would overlook.
What seemed like a simple pimple that she had ‘squeezed too hard’ soon transformed into a life-changing experience as it evolved into a large scab, prompting a crucial lesson about skin health and cancer awareness.
Rachel, who was going about her life blissfully unaware of the potential danger, finally decided to seek medical advice after a year of noticing the mark on her forehead.
A biopsy confirmed her worst fear: it was a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Rachel shared her story in a video on social media, cautioning others to be vigilant about their skin. ‘It was a little skin cancer... a basal cell carcinoma,’ she explained in the post.
In the video, Rachel showed herself posing for a mirror selfie, the large scab clearly visible on her forehead, and spoke directly to her audience.
Her treatment plan involved a topical cream that encouraged her immune system to target the cancerous cells. She said the treatment had been effective, though it left her with an 'angry' scab that she now had to wear for the next two weeks.
‘I’m rocking this bad boy for the next two weeks,’ she said, explaining that she hoped the treatment would be enough to eliminate the malignant cells.
To her followers, she had one key piece of advice: ‘This is your sign to wear sunscreen and a hat.’
As Australia welcomed summer, Rachel's story was a timely reminder for Aussies to prioritise skin checks and sun safety.
The Cancer Council's estimates for 2024 were worrying, with nearly 19,000 people expected to be diagnosed with melanoma due to Australia's high UV radiation.
Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Committee, shared some sobering statistics: ‘Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.’
However, there is good news – skin cancer is nearly entirely preventable.
The ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’ message had never been more relevant. This simple mantra emphasises the importance of sun protection, and Cust urged all Australians to follow these steps whenever UV levels were three or higher.
She also highlighted the use of resources like the ‘SunSmart’ app and the Bureau of Meteorology website for real-time UV-level updates.
Rachel’s experience has served as a wake-up call to many, underscoring the importance of taking preventative measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. For many of us, embracing safe sun practices could mean the difference between healthy skin and an uphill battle with skin cancer.
In a previous story, we shared how a 'stubborn pimple' turned out to be something much worse. Find out how another Aussie’s encounter served as an eye-opener for sun safety and self-care.
Read the full story here.
Have you ever noticed a mark on your skin that made you pause? Share your thoughts or your own stories in the comments – we’d love to hear how you prioritise your skin safety.
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