Your Story Series: Eadie
At just 22, Eadie was diagnosed with a Basal Cell Carcinoma. Today, she shares how her relationship with the sun, and sun protection, has changed.
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with skin cancer?
It started as a tiny pink spot under my eye, like a skin tag. I had it for a few years and just wanted it removed. My GP said it didn't look like anything sinister, but would biopsy just in case. A week later, I was told I had a skin cancer called Basal Cell Carcinoma or a BCC., I would need surgery to remove it as well as plastic surgery to correct it. This was in July 2025, a month before I turned 23.
I have always lived by the beach and loved the sun. When I was a teen, I would tan all the time without protection, thinking I wouldn't become a statistic. To be diagnosed with skin cancer at 22 was a huge wake-up call on how damaging and scary the sun can be.
I was lucky the BCC wasn't left any longer, as they are easy to miss if left untreated, and can cause a lot of destruction to skin tissue and bone. As mine was under my eye, it was extremely scary that it could've grown down to my cheekbone or near my eye. Luckily, it was only in the early stages, and my doctor was able to remove it all. Now, I only have a small red scar under my eye that is a reminder to always wear sun protection.
How has your relationship with the sun changed following your diagnosis?
BCC's are completely preventable with sun protection. I don't purposely lie in the sun, go for a walk without a hat, and don't leave the house without wearing sunscreen - even on a cloudy day. I still love the beach and spending time outside, I'm just smart and cautious about it now.
What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
A tan fades, skin cancer scars don't! It's cool to be sun safe, it's hot! You can still go to the beach, go for walks, look cool whilst not damaging your skin for life and increasing your chances of a premature diagnosis.
