Skin cancer survivor describes waking up everyday feeling 'lucky to be alive'

A 22-year-old woman from St Annes – who was diagnosed with skin cancer after years of heavy sun exposure – is appealing for donations to help Cancer Research UK tackle a devastating loss of research funding caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Louise Gardner was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – a potentially deadly form of skin cancer – in May this year, after noticing a mole on her neck which had changed in colour and shape.

She was in her final year studying geography at Lancaster University when doctors delivered the gut-wrenching news and was treated with surgery just three days after her first

appointment with a skin specialist.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thankfully, Louise is now cancer-free but has a seven centimetre scar on her neck as a result of the procedure.

Louise said: “I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it now, but I never bothered with sun cream that much on holiday.

“I’d often wear a really low protection cream to help me tan – or just forget to put any on at all and then spend the day at the beach.

“I had quite a few really bad episodes of sunburn, but at the time I just put it down to the fact that I’m a naturally fair-skinned person.

Louise Gardner was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – a potentially deadly form of skin cancerLouise Gardner was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – a potentially deadly form of skin cancer
Louise Gardner was diagnosed with malignant melanoma – a potentially deadly form of skin cancer
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Looking back, I now regret what I did as all those instances probably contributed to me getting cancer.

“Knowing what I know now, I really wish I’d done things differently.”

Louise’s cancer was classed as stage two, meaning it had spread below the first layer of skin – and she describes herself as “really lucky” that it hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes.

She said: “Early detection is so important when it comes to skin cancer.

Louise noticed a mole on her neck which had changed in colour and shape.Louise noticed a mole on her neck which had changed in colour and shape.
Louise noticed a mole on her neck which had changed in colour and shape.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I waited for about nine months between noticing the mole and telling my doctor about it.

“It was easier to ignore it – at one point, I even brushed it off as a hair dye stain, as I’d been colouring my hair red.

“I was so busy living the student life – focusing on my studies and also enjoying time with friends, so cancer was the last thing on my mind.”

It wasn’t until March this year when Louise was speaking to her GP over the telephone about a prescription for something completely different, that she decided to mention the mole.

Louise is now cancer-free but has a seven centimetre scar on her neck as a result of the procedure.Louise is now cancer-free but has a seven centimetre scar on her neck as a result of the procedure.
Louise is now cancer-free but has a seven centimetre scar on her neck as a result of the procedure.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That appointment coincided with the start of the coronavirus lockdown, so the doctor asked her to send in a photograph and Louise was given a two-week emergency referral to a

dermatologist in Barrow, who conducted an examination and biopsy.

Louise said: “I was particularly alarmed when the dermatologist said that he wanted to prepare me for the possibility of cancer. Cancer is a very scary word and you never think it’s going to

happen to you. It was a few days later when my worst fears were confirmed, and the point where my life changed forever.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Just three days later, Louise had urgent surgery at the Royal Preston Hospital to remove the cancer in her neck.

She said: “The surgery was my best chance at a complete cure but the whole process was very scary. I am absolutely terrified of needles and am so thankful to the nurses and doctors

who got me through – they even played music extra-loud during my CT scan to help me relax.

“The doctors had to remove a significant section of my neck which means I’ve also been left with a hefty scar. It’s a constant reminder about my brush with a potentially deadly disease –

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

but also something I’m proud of as it reminds me that I’m a survivor.”

Louise’s diagnosis and treatment took place during the coronavirus pandemic – a period which has been particularly challenging for charities like Cancer Research UK.

With fundraising down and lockdowns affecting its charity shops, Cancer Research UK is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income this year, which is putting future breakthroughs

at risk for people with cancer.

The charity’s latest TV appeal features a direct plea for donations from leading scientist, Professor Richard Gilbertson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The message in the film is clear – to save lives tomorrow, the charity needs the public’s support today.

Louise said: “My experience means I understand the importance of charities like Cancer Research UK all too clearly.

“I wake up every day thinking how lucky I am to be alive, with only a scar on my neck, as the situation could have been so much worse.”

Donate now at cruk.org/give

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.