Mum-of-three fears sunbeds caused skin tumour

A mother-of-three who used sunbeds in her late teens and early 20s has urged people to think carefully before using them after being diagnosed with a skin tumour.

Justine Robinson, from Bury, Greater Manchester, said she used the tanners "on and off" before holidays or nights out because she wrongly believed she needed a "base tan".

"I can't help wondering whether that's what caused this - it just isn't worth it," said the 45-year-old, who is now recovering after skin cancer surgery.

Her warning comes after a government consultation on proposals to introduce new safeguards using powers under the Sunbeds Act in England.

Justine discovered she an uncommon type of melanocytic tumour – which means it cannot be classified as either benign or malignant - after she was referred to a specialist at Salford Royal Hospital.

It was treated as melanoma as a precaution and she was referred to The Christie for a wider local excision to remove additional tissue around the mole.

"I've always been careful in the sun," she said.

"We became a factor 50 family once we had children, they wear UV tops and we always use sunscreen," she said.

"But since my diagnosis I've become much more aware.

"We're going on holiday for the first time since everything happened and I've packed lightweight long trousers and T-shirts rather than shorts because I'm so conscious about protecting my skin."

Justine said she never spent long periods of time sunbathing so she believes sunbed use when she was younger may have contributed to her diagnosis.

"Using a sunbed is taking a gamble with your health," she said.

"What feels like a cosmetic choice now could catch up with you years later."

Dr Stephanie Ogden, consultant dermatologist and skin cancer clinical lead for Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: "Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the most important ways people can lower their risk.

"It's important to know what is normal for your own skin and to get any changing moles, changing growths or changing patches of skin checked as soon as possible as early diagnosis is key."

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