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Fake Tan Deception: Mum's Bronzed Skin Hid Cancer
1 Dec
Summary
- A mother's bronzed appearance, initially thought to be fake tan, was a cancer symptom.
- Jaundice and itching were dismissed before a life-saving surgery was performed.
- Her mother tragically died from the same cancer years later.
A teacher's unusual bronzed complexion, attributed to increased fake tan use, was a startling indicator of pancreatic cancer. Initially experiencing an itch and noticing yellowing eyes, she dismissed the symptoms until medical tests revealed high bilirubin levels. This led to a major surgery to remove a tumour from the head of her pancreas.
Following a successful operation in December 2018 and subsequent chemotherapy, Debra MacCuaig made a full recovery. However, her triumph was overshadowed when her mother, Pam Grindall, was diagnosed with the same illness four years later. The family faced devastation as Pam's cancer recurred and she passed away in May 2023.
Now cancer-free, Debra advocates for others to heed their bodies' signals. Her experience highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent or unusual symptoms, emphasizing that early detection can be life-saving, as tragically demonstrated by her mother's fate.
