Slap on that sunscreen

If it wasn't for the large magnifying mirror in a Madrid hotel last August- I perhaps would not have known anything about Basal Cell Carcinoma - a type of skin cancer.

The lump on my eyelid - soft to the touch but with a tiny black mark in the centre had been there for some months - not causing me any problems. But seeing it magnified made me visit my GP on my return. He knew immediately what it was and referred me to a Plastic Surgeon at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

I am told that this type of skin cancer is very common - and now I find myself spotting "irregular" moles on other's. The good news is that this type of cancer doesn't usually spread to organs but it can cause serious tissue damage if left undetected and can pop up again almost anywhere.

The lump was removed in September and there is no real evidence of it ever existing thanks to the expertise of the skin surgeon. What I have learned is that we MUST slap on that HIGH FACTOR sunscreen, not forgetting the eyelids (which I admit I never did) and behind the ears.

Also, be sure to investigate any unusual spot or lump anywhere on the body. With the vast selection of Sunscreens available in Boots, Superdrug, House of Fraser, Debenhams & M&S and with the promise of a hot summer ahead - there really is little excuse to be wise after the event. Don't forget to wear those big stylish sunglasses!