Your Story Series: Polly
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with skin cancer?
My melanoma was not your typical looking skin cancer. It started as white spot, which my daughter first noticed on a holiday to Bali. Being that it wasn’t a mole or dark in colour I ignored it.
Months later she said that it had gotten bigger and to get it checked. I did and after a few other biopsies it came back as a melanoma. A 30cm scar later the results came back that they got it all. So the moral of the story is skin cancer doesn’t always hide behind a dark or changing mole.
What does living a sun-safe life mean to you, and how has sun protection impacted your confidence or comfort when spending time outdoors?
I make sure that I have all the sun protection available. I use sunscreen, which gives me confidence to be out in the sun, and I have the Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Sun Hat that goes everywhere with me.
What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
After my experience I would tell everyone that skin cancer is real, and it doesn’t discriminate. Sun care is so important, it’s for everyone. Start young as education is key. Don’t dismiss any changes on your skin, be very vigilant.
