Home / Health / Sunscreen Skipped? Brutal Skin Cancer Treatment Revealed
Sunscreen Skipped? Brutal Skin Cancer Treatment Revealed
17 Apr
Summary
- Woman's skin treatment felt like flesh being torn apart.
- She developed basal cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions.
- Annual treatment now required due to severe sun damage.
Belinda Shipman, originally from Australia and now living in the U.K., faced a "brutal" skin cancer treatment after discovering suspicious lesions in early 2026. A mole-mapping scan led to diagnoses of basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and precancerous actinic keratoses along with squamous cell carcinoma in situ on her face.
Doctors prescribed a four-week topical chemotherapy cream, Tolak, to treat the abnormal cells. Shipman described the experience as excruciating, likening the pain to applying acid to raw flesh. She documented the month-long treatment on Instagram, showing her face becoming increasingly red and inflamed.
Her viral videos aimed to warn others about the severe consequences of sun damage and tanning. Shipman emphasized the importance of daily sunscreen use and avoiding tanning beds, noting her deep concern for her three children who enjoy sunbathing.
Despite the intense pain and sleepless nights, Shipman's skin is now clear. However, due to the extent of the damage, she must undergo the treatment annually on her face and is currently receiving treatment on her neck and chest.
