BBC journalist Sarah Lee, 29, was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma in January, five months after three different doctors dismissed her concerns about a new mole on her scalp. By the time it was spotted, the cancer had spread to a lymph node in her neck.
Ms Lee underwent an eight-hour operation to remove 24 lymph nodes and is now recovering. She is on a 12-month course of targeted drugs to prevent recurrence. 'I knew something wasn't right,' she said, urging others to persist if they are worried about their skin.
Dr Bav Shergill of the British Association of Dermatologists said: 'While melanoma is much more common in older people, it does occur in young people. In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for teenagers and young adults to be diagnosed with.' He advised contacting a doctor immediately if concerned about a mole.
The Met Office has warned that UV levels are expected to reach 7 in the coming days. Experts recommend sun protection when the UV index is above 3. Ms Lee added: 'I wasn't a sunbed user, I used factor 30 sun cream and I grew up in Wales, where it almost always rains. It can happen to anyone.'
