Elizabeth Survives Skin Cancer

When I was growing up I loved the outdoors, especially swimming in the sea and I never wore a hat in those days.  I have had to pay a price for that, with my skin.

For the past 10 years I have suffered from sun damage from my childhood.  I have had many small patches seen to medically and a basal cell carcinoma excised from my nose. Basal Cell Carcinoma is one of three major kinds of skin cancer and occurs most often on the face and other exposed areas.

But for the past couple of years I have followed a rigorous skin treatment programme, morning and evening, suggested by my plastic surgeon and my skin has become healthier, more resilient and looks better than ever, so I am told!  And instead of having checkups every 2 or 3 months, I now only go every 6 months.

My recommendations for skin care are:

• Regular visits to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon
• Meticulous skin care, morning and evening
• Stay out of the sun between 10:00 and 16:00
• Wear a hat!
• Apply 100% sun block to your face every day, before looking out of the window

My message to all South Africans is: the light is strong and the sun is fierce, so we have to take extra care to protect our skin.