Scots mum urges caution in sun after being ‘blindsided’ by cancer diagnosis

An Aberdeenshire mum of two is encouraging people to take precautions in the sun after being “blindsided” by her cancer diagnosis as melanoma cases rise in Scotland.

Adele Hughes, who lives near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in December 2019 at the age of 39.

The primary school teacher was told in January 2020 – close to her 40th birthday – that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.

While she is now in remission, after six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy treatment for 14 months, Ms Hughes is determined to encourage people “to think about their sun habits”.

She said: “I’d never wish anybody to go on that skin cancer journey. I had two young children and being told I had cancer blindsided me.

“When I look back on months of treatment, I realise how difficult it has been. I hope I can encourage people to think about their sun habits, take precautions and to never use sunbeds.

Adele Hughes during her treatment for cancer PA Media

“We need to get a message out there that it’s vital to protect your skin. This includes covering up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and spending time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm. I think there are so many steps we can take to prevent melanoma from happening to people in the future.”

New Cancer Research UK figures show the annual number of new melanoma skin cancer cases in Scotland has risen above 1,600 for the first time.

The charity warned these numbers are set to continue to climb and, using updated statistics, they have predicted that by 2040 there could be about 2,500 new cases of the disease every year.

Overall, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer at younger ages. However, in later life, rates are higher in men.

Higher rates in younger women are likely to be driven by more sun exposure, including sunbathing and sunbed use. For older men, higher rates may be linked to long-term sun exposure.

Cancer Research UK is advising people to spend time in the shade, cover up their skin and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and a four or five-star rating.

Chief executive officer of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.

“Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen and, if you notice any unusual changes to your skin, contact your GP.

“Whether it is a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary, it’s important to get it checked out. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make all the difference.”

It is also likely that overdiagnosis, diagnosing cancers that would not go on to cause harm, could be playing a role in rising rates.

Head of health information at Cancer Research UK, Fiona Osgun, said: “Sunburn is a clear sign your skin has been damaged. Whether you are enjoying being outside abroad or at home, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.

“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too.

“The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to use shade, particularly in the middle of the day, cover up, especially your shoulders, and wear a hat and sunglasses and finally, wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.

“Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly. Even if you’ve been sunburnt before, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.”