Ellie Shaw, a self-described sunbed addict from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with stage 1A melanoma at age 22 after she insisted on having a suspicious mole removed. The lash technician, now 23, began using tanning beds at 19 to feel more confident about her naturally pale skin.
Daily Sunbed Use and the First Warning Sign
Ellie spent 15 minutes on sunbeds almost every day for three years, despite knowing the risks. In early 2025, she noticed a mole on her back that was darker than her others. She booked a doctor's appointment immediately.
“I was very addicted to sunbeds,” Ellie said. “I knew the risks but I ignored them because sunbeds made me feel good. I’m very pale naturally so I wanted a nice tan and to feel better about myself.”
Pushing for Removal Despite Reassurances
Although doctors initially reassured her there was nothing to worry about, Ellie trusted her instincts and pushed for the mole to be removed after a scab formed on it. She went back to the doctor, who referred her for removal, but at the clinic staff tried to convince her not to have it done due to scarring.
“I asked them to take it off and a month later they said it was melanoma. I was in shock,” Ellie said.
Diagnosis and Surgery
In April 2025, she received the diagnosis of stage 1A melanoma. Doctors later told her that delaying could have led to a much worse outcome. Ellie underwent a second operation to remove a larger section of tissue around the original mole site to ensure no cancer cells remained, leaving her with a large scar on her shoulder.
“The doctor said if I'd left it any longer then it would have been a different story and they could have been telling me I had two years left to live,” she said. “I'm so blessed I've got another chance.”
Urging Others to Avoid Sunbeds
Ellie now urges others to avoid sunbeds altogether and believes they should be banned. She also encourages anyone worried about a changing mole to trust their instincts.
“I really regret using them. If I could talk to my 19-year-old self, I’d warn her how dangerous they are and tell her not to use them,” she said. “Going with your gut feeling could save your life.”
