Oxfordshire, England – A 43-year-old mother of three from Oxfordshire, England, is sharing her story after being diagnosed with stage four skin cancer, urging others, especially young people, to avoid the same mistake she made in her twenties.
Claire Turner received the devastating news of her cutaneous malignant melanoma diagnosis in January, with the disease already spreading to her liver, thighs, lymph nodes, and shoulders. Reflecting on her past behaviors, Turner admitted to using sunbeds and getting sunburned in pursuit of a tan, unknowingly putting herself at risk.
Now on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of sunbeds and excessive UV exposure, Turner wants to emphasize the importance of skin protection and early care before any signs of damage appear. She highlights the temporary nature of tans, whether fake or real, and questions the safety of prioritizing tanned skin over skin health.
Turner’s journey began in December when she sought medical attention for shoulder pain, initially dismissed as a torn ligament. Concerned by a swelling on her shoulder blade, she underwent an MRI scan, leading to a referral to a sarcoma unit and a period of uncertainty during the Christmas holidays.
The diagnosis of advanced stage four cancer came as a shock to Turner, leaving her feeling winded and emotionally overwhelmed. Supported by her family throughout her treatments, which included rounds of immunotherapy and challenging side effects, Turner remains resilient in the face of the uncertain future.
Despite setbacks and challenges, Turner expresses gratitude for the progress made in shrinking tumors and managing the spread of the cancer. With a newfound perspective on sun exposure, she now enjoys the sunshine cautiously, opting for shade and protective measures like wearing hats and covering her shoulders.
As Turner continues to navigate her cancer journey with determination and hope, she encourages others to prioritize skin health and take preventive measures against sun damage. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and vigilance in avoiding harmful practices that can have long-lasting consequences.