Case study: ‘I’m not pale skinned and don’t burn so I didn’t think skin cancer was an issue’

JACQUI Carruthers, who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in March 2009 at the age of 29, admitted to using sunbeds before she contracted skin cancer.

The mother of one from Bishopton said that she used sunbeds before a night out, or before going on holiday, and would sunbathe with little or no sun protection. She later underwent an operation to remove a malignant melanoma at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

The 32 year old who lives with husband David, 34, and four-year-old son, said that her cancer had not returned and that she no longer has to have regular check-ups.

She said: “I sunbathed as a teenager and in my 20s. Although I wasn’t a regular sunbed user, I used sunbeds occasionally prior to nights out to make myself look good and have a ‘healthy’ tanned appearance.

“When I was diagnosed I felt as though my life had been pulled from under me. I was completely naïve and didn’t believe that this could happen to me. I’m not pale skinned and I don’t burn so I didn’t think that skin cancer would ever be an issue.

“I would warn anyone against using sunbeds as they are significantly increasing their risk of getting cancer.”

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Jacqui’s story shows us that you don’t need to use sunbeds regularly to put yourself at risk of skin cancer. I hope people will use her experience as a warning and think very carefully before using sunbeds or going out in the sun without sunscreen.”