‘I spotted something on holiday that changed everything’

‘My first thought was for my family as I didn’t want them to worry’Fran Ireland with her family(Image: Handout)

A sun worshipper’s love of the rays ended after she spotted something that turned out to be devastating.

Fran Ireland was wearing a bikini on holiday in Turkey in 2022 when her partner and two daughters pointed out an odd looking mole on the side of her upper body.

Once back from holiday, the 45-year-old saw her GP and was referred to a dermatologist.

The dermatologist checked the mum-of-two’s entire body for moles and was also concerned by an area of skin on her leg. Both the mole from her upper body and the mole from her leg were removed and sent for tests.

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The following week, Fran received a phone call saying she needed to see a consultant. She felt so anxious she insisted on speaking to the consultant immediately by phone.

Fran, who works as a mental health midwife, was shocked to be told that the mole which she had assumed was nothing on her leg was in fact a malignant melanoma. And the mole removed from her upper body was non-cancerous.

Fran, who lives in Ramsbottom, describes herself as a former sun worshipper and used to love sitting by the pool sunbathing. She also regularly used sunbeds to be able to gain a tan before going on holiday abroad.

Fran said: “My melanoma diagnosis was a huge shock and a very difficult time. I’m so glad I saw my GP quickly and was referred to a dermatologist.

Fran with her daughter, Meg(Image: Handout)

“My first thought was for my family as I didn’t want them to worry. Awareness of the risks was low when I was younger and I would never dream of using a sunbed now as I know how dangerous they are.”

Fran was booked in for surgery at The Christie cancer hospital a few days before Christmas to have more tissue removed from her leg to ensure all the cancer had gone. She needed to spend Christmas recuperating and spent three weeks off work.

Miraculously, results found all the cancer had gone. Fran then had check-ups every three months.

As the warm weather is well upon us this summer, she is urging people to avoid sunbeds and enjoy the sun safely.

The call from Fran comes as latest analysis from Cancer Research UK reveals the majority of UK melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable, with almost 9 in 10 (87 per cent) caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

With around 2,200 people diagnosed with the disease every year in the north west, Fran is determined to help raise vital awareness.

Fran Ireland and her daughter, Evie(Image: Handout)

Fran, who lives with partner Matthew and daughters, Meg, 11, and Evie, 15, has joined forces with the charity and NIVEA Sun to encourage people across the north west.

The family is asking people to follow three simple steps this summer: seek shade, cover up and apply sunscreen regularly and generously.

After her terrifying experience with skin cancer, Fran always takes precautions.

Fran said: “I’ve changed my entire approach to holidays and sitting outside since my diagnosis.

“Now, I make sure I’m covered up and take some time out of the sun in the middle of the day, as well as always being prepared with hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. I also use fake tan.

“It’s natural to want to make the most of warmer days, but sun safety doesn’t mean missing out, just being careful whether you’re at home or abroad.”

Fran and Matthew(Image: Handout)

Skin cancer is more common in people over the age of 50, but it can affect anyone of any age.

Fran added: “It could have been a different story but now, thanks to advances in research and treatment, I’m still here and looking forward to enjoying more precious moments with my loved ones this summer.”

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Nearly 100 years ago, Cancer Research UK helped prove that UV radiation can cause skin cancer and since then has learnt more about how skin cancer starts and spreads, pioneering new ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease.

NIVEA Sun has raised over £8m to support this life-saving research over the last 12 years and works in partnership with the charity to stop the disease before it even starts. When the sun is strong, they recommend people:

• Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK.

• Cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses

• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars generously and regularly.

Cancer Research UK Health Information Manager, Beth Vincent, said: “Today, more than 9 in 10 people diagnosed in the North West will survive their melanoma for five years or more.

“From harnessing the power of the immune system to seek and destroy the disease, to developing a skin patch that could detect cancer earlier and creating targeted drugs – we’re powering progress for more people like Fran.

“But we want to beat skin cancer for everyone so, with rates at a record high, we’re grateful she’s lending her voice to our campaign with NIVEA Sun.

“Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never being burnt. Even on a cloudy day, the sun can be strong enough in the north west – and across the UK – to burn between mid-March and mid-October.

“So, it’s important people remember to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars, to help protect their skin.

“If you notice anything different on your skin like a new mole, a mole that’s changed in size, shape, or colour, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary – don’t ignore it, speak to your GP.”