My Journey with Skin Cancer
I share my story in the hope that others may learn from my mistakes and take better care of their skin. Growing up in Ireland, sunny days were few and far between, so I often found myself sneaking into tanning salons to “top up” before a big weekend. At the time,as a twenty something year old with fair skin, it felt harmless.
Fast forward to today, and I’m paying the price for all that sun damage—literally and emotionally.
Over the last 15 years, I’ve become a regular at the dermatologist’s office, checking and removing suspicious spots. I’ve learned the hard way about the importance of vigilance when it comes to skin health.Mole mapping is a yearly priority, and I don’t hesitate to book an appointment if I spot anything unusual between visits.
My Diagnosis: Basal Cell Carcinoma
I’ll never forget my first visit to a dermatologist in Hong Kong. Friends had pointed out a mark on my chest that I’d been ignoring for too long. When the dermatologist uttered the words “Basal Cell Carcinoma”—skin cancer—I broke down. Hearing those words was terrifying, but the doctor reassured me it wasn’t the worst kind of cancer.
There are different types of skin cancer, including:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form, often appearing as a red, dry patch, a small pimple-like spot, or something resembling a paper cut that doesn’t heal.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Another form, which can look like a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusted patch. If left untreated, it can spread.
- Melanoma: The most serious form, which can develop in moles or as dark, irregular patches.
That first diagnosis led to a series of treatments. The most pressing issue was a BCC on my chest, requiring a large incision. Another was found on my face—thankfully spotted early.
I was referred to a plastic surgeon to have it removed. Over the years, I’ve had numerous spots removed. I’m now so used to hearing “Basal Cell Carcinoma” that it doesn’t scare me as much, but it has taught me the importance of being vigilant about sun exposure.
Aldara Cream: A Tough but Effective Treatment
Recently, my dermatologist prescribed Aldara cream for a BCC on my chest. I was relieved I didn’t need surgery again, but I had no idea how challenging the treatment would be.
Aldara works by activating the immune system to fight abnormal cells in the skin. While effective, it can be painful. My skin flared up, which was a good sign, but it made the area extremely sensitive.
Cleaning the affected area was tough, but thankfully, my ENJO skincare pads were gentle enough to use with just water. These chemical-free fibres were the only thing I trusted on my sensitive skin during the healing process. I highly recommend them for anyone going through a similar treatment.
The Importance of Sun Care
More recently, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, another reminder of how crucial it is to take care of your skin. I’m using Aldara again, and it’s working well. I’ll be following up with my doctor soon, and hopefully, this chapter will close for now.
Why am I sharing all this? Because skin cancer is preventable. We can’t always avoid being in the sun, but we can take precautions:
- Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves whenever possible.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Avoid tanning beds—trust me, they’re not worth it!
- Get regular skin checks. If something looks off, don’t wait—book that appointment!
I hope my story encourages you to be proactive about sun care. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to start protecting your skin—your future self will thank you.
Diane O’Keefe
