Ross Ellis, a man in his 30s, is sharing his experience with stage four melanoma to highlight the risks of sunburn. Ellis, from Plymouth, lost his eye and is facing a terminal diagnosis after his cancer spread to his brain, lungs, and liver. He attributes his melanoma to severe sunburn he experienced as a teenager, despite initially being treated for a cancerous mole in 2015.
Melanoma rates are rising, particularly in the South West of England, where the incidence is above the national average. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of sun protection and early detection, as melanoma, if caught early, has a high survival rate. Ellis’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the need for vigilant sun safety practices.