When Kara Leece reached the age of 30, she decided to mark the occasion by going on a trip to Dubai with her mother. Their plan was to enjoy a week of sunshine, beaches, and relaxation. However, during a moment when her mother was applying suntan lotion on her back, she noticed a small mole that seemed to be changing shape and color.
This discovery concerned Kara so much that as soon as she returned home, she promptly scheduled an appointment with her general practitioner. This turned out to be a life-saving decision. Although Kara didn’t have a family history of skin cancer or melanoma and had never used a sunbed, the GP referred her immediately to a dermatologist who removed the mole without delay.
Subsequent tests revealed that Kara had a rapidly growing melanoma, but fortunately, it was caught at an early stage. Kara expressed her gratitude, saying, “I was incredibly fortunate that it hadn’t spread, so I didn’t require any further surgical treatments. Since then, I have been undergoing regular check-ups. Every three months, I examine my lymph nodes and monitor my skin.”
During one of her appointments, she was informed that if her mother hadn’t noticed the mole when she did, it would have become fatal six months later. Kara acknowledged the importance of her mother’s timely discovery, emphasizing how lucky she was. The experience was quite scary for her.
Having successfully overcome skin cancer, Kara now supports a campaign by the charity organization, the Melanoma Fund, which aims to raise awareness about sun protection and the risks associated with skin cancer.
The CEO of the organization, Michelle Baker, highlighted the significance of sharing personal experiences with skin cancer, explaining that Kara’s mother became aware of the issue through someone else’s story. Baker emphasized the need for more discussions on skin cancer, its risks, and the importance of raising awareness if someone has had a diagnosis.
Kara echoes this sentiment, urging everyone to regularly examine their skin, regardless of age, and to educate themselves about melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. She never expected to be dealing with melanoma in her life. When asked if she is grateful to her mother, Kara wholeheartedly responds, “Absolutely! Everywhere I go, people consider her an absolute hero. She saved my life.”
