Rachel, a 33-year-old mother, is sharing her experience on TikTok to warn others about the dangers of ignoring unusual skin marks. What she thought was a mosquito bite on her forehead turned out to be basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
At first, Rachel’s doctor told her the spot was just an irritated bug bite and that she was too young to worry about cancer. But when the mark started bleeding, Rachel sought a second opinion. A biopsy confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
Rachel’s treatment lasted six weeks and was painful, leaving a sore on her forehead. She also spoke about the emotional toll it took on her. Now, she wants to encourage others to watch for any changes in their skin and to protect themselves from the sun.
She highlights that many cosmetic products now contain SPF, making sun protection easier than ever. Basal cell carcinoma usually affects areas exposed to sunlight but can appear anywhere on the body. Any mole or skin growth that changes, bleeds, or won’t heal should be examined by a doctor.
Rachel hopes her story will remind everyone to take skin health seriously and always use sunscreen during the sunny months.
