Your Story Series: Meet Linda

What is your name?

Hi! My name is Linda McCall, and I am 57.

How did you discover your skin cancer / melanoma / skin condition and how long ago?

In July 2015 I was sent to a dermatologist because I had developed a black mark on my lip. This turned out to be benign, but the dermatologist asked if I would mind being fully examined. Thank goodness I said yes! He identified a suspicious mole above my left knee. It turned out to be an in-situ melanoma.

Since then I have had a further 15 moles removed, and 5 have been either in-situ or melanoma 1a. I see the dermatologist every 4 months, and hope that will continue indefinitely.

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

I have never been a sun worshipper, but nowadays I try to keep my skin covered as much as possible. I still like to go on sunshine holidays (when it is not at its hottest), but even then I keep my skin covered, even when I go swimming. I have discovered that I like big floppy sun hats, and wear one whenever I am out in the sun, unless I am using a parasol.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?

I would tell my 16 year old self, and indeed also my 8 year old self, to cover up whilst playing tennis. Although not a sun worshipper, I have run around on tennis courts most of my life. Even though most of the places I have had melanoma have never been burned, they were all exposed to the fresh air whenever I played tennis. I would also teach my younger self the wisdom of wearing a hat and drinking plenty of water.