What began as what appeared to be a harmless patch of dry skin became a life-changing diagnosis for flight attendant Beth Brown, who is now urging others not to ignore persistent changes to their skin after years of using sun beds and skipping sun protection.
Brown, now 30, initially believed the small red patch on the side of her head was simply eczema returning. Instead, doctors diagnosed her with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer, following years of regular tanning bed use and prolonged sun exposure without SPF.
A Small Patch That Refused To Heal
Brown's tanning habits began when she was 22. She regularly used sun beds, sometimes once a week and sometimes twice a month, gradually increasing her sessions from six minutes to as long as 20 minutes. Working as a flight attendant also meant she often spent time sunbathing during stopovers, rarely wearing sunscreen.
She admitted those habits were influenced by what she had grown up seeing at home.
'My mum never used sunscreen. Her generation was always frying in the sun, so I never really used it either, as it's what I'd grown up with,' Brown explained.
Around two years before her diagnosis, she noticed a small red patch near her hairline. Because she had experienced eczema as a child, she assumed it was another flare-up and paid little attention to it.
However, the area gradually became flaky, repeatedly scabbed over and eventually started bleeding. When it became impossible to hide with make-up, she realised something was wrong and sought medical advice in October 2025.
Doctors Diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma
Before seeing a specialist, Brown spoke with her boyfriend's mother, who is a doctor. She suggested the patch could be basal cell carcinoma, prompting Brown to arrange further medical tests.
The diagnosis confirmed her fears.
'If it wasn't for her, I might never have gone to the doctors,' Brown said. 'I was so shocked. I hadn't realised the extent of what could happen from not wearing sunscreen and using sun beds.'
According to skin cancer specialists, basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. While it rarely spreads to other parts of the body when detected early, it continues to grow if left untreated and can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue, making early diagnosis essential.
Brown's experience serves as a reminder that skin cancer does not always resemble a dark mole. Persistent patches that bleed, scab repeatedly or fail to heal should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
A Long Wait and Difficult Recovery
Following her diagnosis, Brown was placed on a waiting list and waited six months before undergoing surgery to remove the cancer this May.
The wait proved emotionally challenging.
'I was so scared that it would grow while I was waiting for the appointment,' she recalled.
Brown opted not to have a skin graft after the procedure, allowing the wound to heal naturally. She admitted she had underestimated how extensive the surgery would be.
'I'd told my work I'd be back the next day as I thought I'd just have a little stitch, but I walked out with a hole in my face,' she said.
Although the wound has now healed, she says the area remains sensitive and has permanently changed how she approaches sun exposure.
Changing Habits and Raising Awareness
Since her diagnosis, Brown has completely abandoned tanning beds and now wears SPF every day. Rather than lying directly in the sun, she actively seeks shade and encourages others to protect their skin before damage occurs.
'I'm a sunshine baby at heart, but I make sure to look after my skin. I wear SPF every day now. I can't imagine going outside without putting it on my face,' she said.
She also encourages people to enjoy time outdoors responsibly.
'Being outside and getting vitamin D is so important, but just make sure you don't fry. Sit in the shade, wear sun cream, wear a hat.'
Looking back, Brown admits she never believed skin cancer could happen to someone her age.
'I was very naive. I thought it would never happen to me. I definitely regret using sun beds now.'
She hopes that sharing her experience will encourage others to take suspicious skin changes seriously instead of dismissing them as harmless conditions.
Her Story Prompted Another Diagnosis
Brown's diagnosis also had an unexpected impact within her own family. After hearing about her daughter's experience, her mother decided to have her own skin checked and was subsequently diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma as well.
For Brown, that outcome reinforced the importance of paying attention to even minor skin changes and seeking medical advice early.
Her story is ultimately less about regret than prevention. What seemed like an ordinary patch of eczema turned out to be skin cancer, highlighting how easily warning signs can be overlooked. By speaking openly about her experience, Brown hopes others will avoid repeating the same mistakes and recognise that protecting skin with daily SPF, avoiding sun beds and acting quickly when something doesn't heal could make all the difference.
