Football legend Paul Merson has delivered a warning to the England squad competing in America at the World Cup following his frightening health experience.
The 58-year-old ex-footballer, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing two years back alongside former professional dancer Karen Hauer, discussed his melanoma cancer diagnosis.
Paul received his skin cancer diagnosis in 2012 after putting off seeking medical attention, something he discussed with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls on Good Morning Britain during Tuesday's programme (June 16).
Susanna informed viewers that Paul 'blames his own laziness,' explaining: "He's now urging others not to make the same mistake and telling the whole England team to slap on the sun cream when they go out and play at the World Cup."
Ed remarked: "I bet, when you were playing on the hottest day of the year at Highbury or whatever, I bet you never put sun cream on, ever."
Paul confirmed this, explaining that he would frequently get sunburnt and seldom applied sun protection. He continued: "It's strange really because it was on my back, which, even when I used to go sunbathing, I'd never lie on my front and get my back done, it was just by walking around. I had a mole on my back."
Describing how the situation deteriorated, he recalled: "It just kept on getting worse. I was on holiday with my kids, playing golf, and I sat down for a break. When we got up, I had a white t-shirt on, and one of my boys went, 'Oh, you must've leaned on something.'"
He admitted: "It had bled through. I got home, and I still didn't do anything about it. I don't know if it was a man thing or I was scared."
Paul eventually contacted his GP and outlined that he needed his mole examined, something his doctor had previously advised him to arrange, reports Wales Online.
Following its removal, Paul received a phone call informing him he'd been diagnosed with melanoma cancer and required further assessment. He revealed to the ITV presenters that he'd had 50 stitches and would subsequently require two scans annually for the following five years.
Paul went on: "I had a check-up twice a year, which was scary really. Going twice a year, going in and having your scan, then the next day going in for the results, and you're always going in with that fear, 'has it come back?' That was horrible."
He then highlighted that melanoma could be prevented through the use of sunscreen, while commending World Cup footballer Dan Burn, who is championing awareness around applying sun protection.
With his Instagram biography now reading 'Dan Won't Burn', the sportsman has discussed the significance of protecting all areas to shield skin from harm, particularly the nape of the neck.
Dan Burn addressed the matter as he attempts to boost awareness, stating: "As a defender, I know how important it is to cover every angle, but I'll admit the back of my neck isn't always part of my game plan. It's an easy area to miss, but one that's vulnerable to sun damage."
Good Morning Britain is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 6am.
