'These images show the reality of not wearing sunscreen' - skin cancer survivor James

James was working as an actor in London when he became concerned about a mark on his face:



“I had a lump under my right eye since 2005 that I assumed was a scar from acne. Then I got a spot in that area and it left a cut that never healed. It was a tiny red dot which annoyed me, but it was small enough to be insignificant. Later I got another spot right beside it, creating a larger cut. It became a really visible red cut under my eye.



“I went to my GP to ask if anything could be done, just thinking it was a cut or scar tissue. The GP was pretty sure it was basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. My GP booked an appointment with a dermatology clinic. The main surgeon there confirmed the diagnosis and recommended surgery, and I was in a total state of shock.

“I didn’t know how it could happen. The dermatologist told me that Irish people are some of the most vulnerable to skin cancer. Our skin is naturally so pale."

“My scar is healing well and has faded more than I expected at this stage,” James says today. “I hope the scar will continue to fade. Some people who’ve had similar surgeries have said they can barely see their scar now."

“Skin cancer is one of the cancers we can predominantly prevent through knowledge. Please spread the word. No tan is worth the risks. Wear SPF 30 or above, reapply at least every 2 hours, try to avoid peak hours and never let your skin burn. And if you have a lump or spot that doesn’t heal or new or changing mole, don’t assume it's insignificant. Get it checked out.”