Ask the average 20-year-old how to identify a melanoma on their skin and you're likely to be met with a blank stare.
But for Natasha, a now 24-year-old HR administrator from Chessington, it was her ability to recognise a change in her mole that potentially saved her life.
“A mole on my left shoulder, which I believe I'd had all my life, suddenly appeared darker and much more raised", she says. "Initially, I put this down to changes to my body associated with growing up, but I decided to book an appointment with my GP to get it checked out anyway.”
Once referred to a dermatologist, Natasha was told her mole was normal, but it may continue to grow.
It did grow, but it also became even darker and itchy, which prompted Natasha to seek a second opinion.
“It was difficult as I had been told it was okay, but deep down I knew something wasn’t right", she said. "It didn’t look like a classic melanoma from pictures I had seen, but it certainly didn’t look right.”
How to spot a melanoma
When assessing whether a mole might becoming a melanoma, Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic, says to remember 'ABCD':
A: Asymmetry – the mole looks unusual, asymmetrical or irregular.
B: Border – the border becomes blurred, ill-defined or irregular.
C: Colour – more than two colours appear in the mole including. brown, black or light areas giving a mottled appearance. A very dark or black appearance can occur.
D: Diameter – if a mole is enlarging it should be reviewed.
When it comes to skin cancer, changes to moles isn’t the only thing to look out for.
Emma Shields, Senior Health Information Officer at Cancer Research UK says to "see your doctor if you notice any change in a patch of skin, whether it’s a mark or mole you’ve had for a while, or something new that appears."
"Get to know what your skin normally looks and feels like, so you’re more likely to notice anything that’s unusual for you."
Natasha's story
After first noticing her mole in May 2015, it was in March 2017 when Natasha was given the diagnosis she feared.
“I was told that if it was nothing to worry about I’d just get a letter through the post but if it was, I’d hear from the clinic", she recalls. "When the call came to go in, I knew right then it was skin cancer.”
Natasha was told the melanoma was stage two, meaning she had to undergo a further procedure for a wider excision and a biopsy on lymph nodes in her back, armpit and neck. The biopsy revealed her cancer had spread, increasing her level to stage three.
"It was all quite a whirlwind", she said. "Finding out what it was and then having to go back in after it being confirmed as a stage two was a huge, huge shock."
"I also had no idea how melanoma could spread. I thought skin cancer was just in the skin. When there was a mention of a lymph node biopsy to see if it’d spread further, I felt numb."
A common misconception with skin cancer, it's not just the surface of the skin that's effected. Melanomas can spread to the bloodstream, which of course travels throughout the entire body and therefore it's possible to spread almost anywhere.
“The early days were very difficult, I was shocked and very confused", says Natasha.
"I didn’t feel like myself anymore. I just couldn’t believe I had cancer. Having cancer was never part of the plan, especially at 23. My adult life had only just begun. It was particularly scary that I’d had no other signs and I felt well but inside, I was fighting for my life."
After undergoing her operation and completing her recovery, Natasha was given the clear.
But like with all cancers, there's always a risk it can return. Natasha attends three-monthly check-ups and regular CT scans, all of which have been clear so far.
How her life has changed post-skin cancer
Natasha was never a sun-worshipper, but she says since her cancer, she's now even more careful in the sun.
"Hot and sunny holidays no longer have quite the same appeal they used to", she says.
As a young cancer survivor, Natasha is passionate about raising awareness about sun exposure and melanomas especially for people her age. She is running Cancer Research UK's Race For Life this year.
“As melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, I believe it is crucial for people to know what to look out for and to know about the risks of sun exposure and to make sure they enjoy the sun safely."
“Melanoma taught me what a bad day really is and how the things I used to worry about were so insignificant and trivial. I now spend even more time with family and friends than before. I appreciate the smallest of things."
“Although my scars are very noticeable, I really do just appreciate being alive! I’m so grateful to those who have helped me along the road to recovery.”
Top tips for skin cancer prevention
Dr Friedmann shares his advice:
1. Avoid being in the sun at peak times of the day: 11am - 3pm.
2. Seek shade when you can.
3. Always ensure you choose one a sun cream with not only a high SPF, but at least 4-star UVA rating.
4. Wear a minimum of sun protection factor 30 and reapply every two hours.
5. Make sure kids wear hats and long-sleeve swimwear when in the pool.
Emma Shields, Senior Health Information Officer at Cancer Research UK also warns that sun cream will not give you 100 per cent protection.
"It’s best used as part of a team on the bits of your body you can’t cover", she says. "Spend time in the shade and cover up with clothes, a hat and sunglasses."
And last but not least, Dr Friedmann says “If you think your skin has been damaged by the sun and presents some changes that you find worrying, make sure you seek professional advice."
Natasha is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in partnership with Tesco. Sign up at raceforlife.org and make a difference in beating cancer.
