Home / Health / Teenage Sunburn Leads to Stage 3 Skin Cancer Battle
Teenage Sunburn Leads to Stage 3 Skin Cancer Battle
1 Jul
Summary
- A 19-year-old's sunburnt holiday in Tenerife led to melanoma diagnosis at 38.
- Stage 3 cancer required removal of 35 lymph nodes, with 25 cancerous.
- She now undergoes immunotherapy treatment until April 2027.
A severe sunburn experienced during a teenage holiday in Tenerife is believed by Sarah Goldup to be the cause of her Stage 3 malignant melanoma. Goldup, who was 19 at the time and used tanning oil instead of sunscreen, ignored a changing mark on her chin for years.
At age 38, she was diagnosed with the aggressive skin cancer. This diagnosis led to two surgeries to remove the initial melanoma and a second one found on her chest. The cancer had progressed significantly, necessitating the removal of 35 lymph nodes, with 25 identified as cancerous.
Following her Stage 3 diagnosis, Goldup began a three-month course of combination immunotherapy drugs in April. She is now on monthly maintenance treatment, which is expected to continue until April 2027. She actively participates in sun safety campaigns.
Goldup emphasizes her diligent sun protection habits, including daily sunscreen use and covering up outdoors, even in winter. Her journey highlights the delayed impact of sun damage and the importance of early detection and consistent protection.
