Your Story Series: Meet Teresa

2 min read

What is your name?

My name is Teresa.

Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words:

Caring, friendly and happy.

What is your occupation?

I work as a Theatre Nurse.

How did you discover your melanoma condition and how long ago?

Despite a surgeon advising that I should get my moles checked, it was years before I actually went through with it. Every now and then I would catch a side glimpse of the mole that was on my neck near my ear - it appeared to be changing but I couldn’t be sure. A part of me was afraid to know the outcome so I left it.

One day my sister mentioned that the mole on my neck was getting bigger and it was all different colours. "Okay," I thought to myself, "no more ignoring the problem, it's time to get it checked!". Sure enough, it had to come out.

Then the call I was dreading came; it turned out it was melanoma in the early stages and I needed a re-excision. From that point on, I made sure to have 6-month checks as I have quite a few moles. I've since had another one removed that was in the process of changing shape and colour.

Do you have any other skin conditions?

Just fair skin with lots of moles.

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. My make up is high SPF and my beachwear clothes cover up the majority of my skin. I always keep hats and sunscreen handy in the house, car and all my bags.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about taking care of your skin and sun protection?

Get out of the sun, stop getting burnt and get your skin checked!

Thank you Teresa for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

The Solbari Team

Back to blog homepage

Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

Your Story Series: Amy

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

5 min read

After multiple melanoma diagnoses, Amy has built her sun protection routine around her adventurous lifestyle. She incorporates both SPF sunscreens and UPF 50+ clothing into her every day life so she can continue to embrace the outdoors without sacrifice.

Your Story Series: Leah

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

2 min read

8 years ago, Leah was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma shortly after her son's first birthday. In the years since she has learned the tools to allow her to continue enjoying the outdoors.

Someone's hands holding each other with a skin condition.

The 6 most common skin conditions (including skin cancer & melanoma)

Sun Protection

7 min read

Understand the six most common skin conditions, including non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma, plus practical tips on symptoms, triggers and early detection.

A man and a woman in black Solbari sun hats with a blue sky in the background.

Your Complete Guide to Choosing Sun-Protective Clothing and Sun Hats

Sun Protection

7 min read

Discover how UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats provide the most reliable daily sun protection, how UPF ratings work, and why they’re essential alongside SPF.

A woman and a man wearing Solbari sun hats and UPF 50+ clothing, walking.

UPF vs SPF: Understanding the Difference for Skin Health

Sun Protection

6 min read

UPF and SPF work together—but they’re not the same. Discover why UPF 50+ clothing offers set-and-forget protection, and where sunscreen is still essential.