Tawny Willoughby used sunbeds four to five times a week during high school. Then, aged just 21, she received the devastating news that she had skin cancer.
Now, 27, Tawny, has bravely shared a photograph of her face – during treatment – to try and warn others about the dangers of using sun beds. The picture, which she shared on Facebook, has been reposted over 5,000 times and has seen the pretty mum get messages of support from all over the world.
Next to the photograph, Tawny wrote: “If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun here you go! This is what skin cancer treatment can look like. Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan.
“You only get one skin and you should take care of it. Learn from other people's mistakes. Don't let tanning prevent you from seeing your children grow up. That's my biggest fear now that I have a two-year-old little boy of my own.”
Speaking about her experience, Tawny also went on to say: “Now, at 27, I've had basal cell carcinoma 5 times and squamous cell carcinoma once (excluding my face). I go to the dermatologist every 6-12 months and usually have a skin cancer removed at each check-up.
“This treatment was done using a cream called Aldara (imiquimod). I've also had the following treatments: Curettage and Electrodessication, Cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), Surgical Excision and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).”
There are 10,000 cases of skin cancer in the UK every year. If you’re worried, or have a question, click here.