-
Melanoma skin cancer. - Source: ONE News
The head of the Melanoma Foundation is warning New Zealanders that the disease can strike anyone after being diagnosed with skin cancer herself.
Anne Ackerman was diagnosed with melanoma during a routine check up in December but has since had the spot removed.
"The doctor laughed nervously and was almost embarrassed that he was telling the head of the Melanoma Foundation that she had melanoma too. I just laughed back. It was like a black comedy," she says.
The ironic situation proves the disease can strike anyone, she says.
"Don't think 'it won't happen to me' as I have proved it can happen to anyone. My advice to others is to go to your doctor or a dermatologist and get an annual check as it could save your life. If you catch it early you have a really good chance of recovery."
Like many young New Zealanders Ackerman spent a lot of time in the sun.
"I was a typical kid, spending all day outdoors on the beach and playing netball over the summer holidays. At the end of the day I would often get that familiar tingling sensation in the shower and knew I had too much sun."
Health Sponsorship Council SunSmart manager Wayde Beckman says childhood sunburn increases the risk of melanoma in later life.
"Parents need to protect their children from the sun by making sure they always slip, slop, slap and wrap," he says.
Any changes in spots, freckles or moles should be checked by a doctor, he says.
