Skin cancer survivor backs Cancer Research UK message by urging others to stay safe in the sun

A Lymington skin cancer survivor is backing a campaign urging people to enjoy the sun safely this summer as she credits early detection with saving her life.

Susan Dibble (75) says she was spurred on to “spread the word” after a visit to her doctor with suspected bronchitis saw her diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer.

Statistics released by Cancer Research UK show melanoma cases have hit a record high of 17,500 per year in the UK, and are projected to soar by around 50% over the next two decades.

The charity has now joined forces with Nivea Sun to launch an awareness campaign sharing advice and tips on how people can protect their skin from too much exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays.

This includes seeking shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with clothes, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses, and applying suncream with a minimum SPF15 with four or five UVA stars.

After her GP spotted a small mark on her back while listening to her chest with a stethoscope, Susan was refered to the Royal South Hants hospital in Southampton, where the area of skin was removed.

Tests revealed it was cancerous.

Susan, who has no history of cancer in her family, said: “It could have been really bad and I feel very lucky that I didn’t die and it was caught early.

“Now I hope I can encourage people to think about their sun habits and take precautions.

“It’s so important, because almost 9 in 10 melanoma cases each year in the UK could be prevented by being safe in the sun and using a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen to avoid burning.”

Susan underwent further surgery to remove a wider area of skin to ensure all the cancer was gone.

She later visited her doctor to thank her and told her, ‘I think you’ve saved my life’.”

She added: “It’s tempting to want to make the most of the warm weather, but getting sunburnt increases your chance of getting skin cancer - so I’m urging people to take care.”

Susan says she now encourages people to be safe in the sun and to see their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their skin.

Anyone can get sunburnt or develop skin cancer, but those at higher risk include people with lighter skin tones and light-coloured hair or eyes, as well as people with lots of moles and freckles, or a family history of skin cancer.

Health information manager at Cancer Research UK, Beth Vincent, says the campaign aims to debunk common myths about the sun.

She said: “Melanoma skin cancer is the UK’s fifth most common cancer, so we’re grateful to Susan for lending her voice to our campaign with Nivea Sun.

“It’s important to remember the sun isn’t only strong abroad. Even on a cloudy day, it can be strong enough in the UK to burn between mid-March and mid-October.

“Avoid getting caught out by checking the UV index on the weather forecast or online. If it’s 3 (moderate) or above, it’s time to think about sun safety.”

For more skin cancer information and sun safety tips, visit www.cruk.org/sunsafety