A 35-year-old mother from East Grinstead, England, is sharing her story after being left with a large hole on her nose due to an aggressive form of skin cancer — despite rarely sunbathing and always wearing sunscreen.
Kerry-Ann Buckell, a hairstylist and mother of one, initially believed a recurring spot on her nose was just a stubborn pimple. But after months of unsuccessfully treating it at home, she turned to the internet, where a search of her symptoms led to a troubling conclusion. “The words ‘skin cancer’ practically jumped off the webpage,” she told The Daily Mail.
Buckell was eventually diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, which forms lumps or lesions on the skin’s outer layer. Although it rarely spreads, it can cause disfigurement if not treated early. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this cancer is also the most frequently occurring form of all cancers.
“I had always worn sunscreen and never considered myself a sun-worshipper,” Buckell said. “I had read about skin cancer affecting people who loved sunbathing, but that wasn’t me. I was confused and shocked when they confirmed it.”
At the time of her diagnosis, her son Albie was just 10 months old. Doctors removed the cancerous growth from her nose. But in late 2024, three years after the first surgery, another suspicious spot appeared on the opposite side of her nose.
Buckell immediately feared a recurrence. “As much as I tried to stay in denial, I knew what it was,” she said. The second lesion turned out to be larger, and its removal left her with what she described as a “big gaping black hole” on her face. The visible damage made her feel extremely self-conscious.
Motivated by her experience, Buckell enrolled in a course on skin diseases to better recognize signs of cancer in her own clients’ scalps and faces. “Never did I think skin cancer would appear as a regular-looking spot,” she said.
Her story serves as a reminder that skin cancer can affect anyone, even those who take precautions. Experts stress the importance of regular skin checks and seeking medical advice for any persistent or unusual skin changes.
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