Introduction

In a startling revelation, a young mother from Sydney, Australia mistook her skin cancer for nothing more than a minor blemish on her face. Lauren Smyth, 29, didn’t consider her small nose 'pimple' significant until a TikTok video ignited her concern.

A Misdiagnosed Condition

Smyth, who used sunbeds occasionally in her early twenties, figured the tiny spot was harmless. Surprisingly, even dermatologists had attempted to treat it as a 'blocked pore' during facials without realizing its true nature. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a TikTok story of another young woman with a similar spot diagnosed with aggressive skin cancer that alarm bells started to ring.

Seeking Medical Advice

After prompting from the video, Smyth decided to seek medical advice. A biopsy revealed her innocence was shattered; she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer known for its potential to spread, even if it grows slowly. Currently, Smyth is undergoing a topical chemotherapy regimen and is determined to spread the message about the critical importance of skin health and sun safety.

Reflecting on the Past

Reflecting on her past, Lauren noted, "Sunbeds aren’t worth your life. I haven’t used them in years, but the damage is done.” While she never considered herself a frequent tanner, she would occasionally visit tanning salons before vacations and summer outings. "When you’re younger, you never think something like this could happen to you," she shared.

Development of the Spot

Interestingly, the spot on her nose had been developing unnoticed for nearly four years. It was so small and not dark like a typical mole that it blended into her everyday life. Finally, after the alarming TikTok video, she had her moles and spots checked.

Medical Insights

During her dermatology visit, the doctor informed her that using tanning beds more than ten times significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, even years later. "The doctor said they thought it was harmless. But I had a bad feeling about it, so I called every day for my results," she explained.

Confronting the Diagnosis

When the biopsy result came back as cancerous, Smyth had to weigh her options between a six-week topical chemotherapy course or surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. Opting for chemotherapy first, she expressed the emotional toll the diagnosis has taken on her life. “It keeps me up at night worrying about the cancer spreading, and I’m constantly checking myself for new spots,” she confessed.

A Message to Others

Smyth has a strong message for others: “Catch it early, and don't let fear hold you back from getting checked. Don’t use sunbeds — you can achieve the same tan with self-tanners from shops.” With rising skin cancer rates, she urges everyone to prioritize sun safety. “If there was a cream to prevent breast cancer, people would use it. Yet there are creams specifically designed to prevent skin cancer, and people don’t apply them regularly.”

Conclusion

This mother's experience serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers posed by sun exposure and tanning beds. Lauren’s bravery in sharing her story is a call to action: Get your skin checked, practice sun safety, and take preventative measures before it's too late!