A 32-year-old Australian woman’s life took an unexpected turn after a seemingly harmless pimple on her forehead turned out to be a sign of skin cancer. Rachel Olivia initially dismissed the small red spot as a typical blemish. However, when it started flaking and failed to heal, she decided to consult a medical professional.
What she thought was just a minor skin issue turned out to be basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a form of skin cancer, as confirmed by a biopsy. Speaking to news.com.
au, Rachel revealed her shock at the diagnosis, especially since she considered herself cautious when it came to sun exposure. Despite avoiding tanning, she acknowledged that sunburns she experienced as a teenager might have contributed to the condition. "I was always the 'sun-smart' one, but Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer," she said per New York Post.
Rachel also revealed that she "left it for a year" but eventually consulted a doctor who confirmed the cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, often presenting as a waxy lump or scaly patch. While BCC is less aggressive than melanoma, it can still cause significant damage if left untreated, especially when it appears on the face.
"I was relieved it was not a melanoma, but also shocked to still have cancer," she said. ALSO SEE: Navjot Singh Sidhu's Claims Of Anti-Cancer Diet Has No Quality Evidence, Warns Doctor; 'We Urge..
.' Rachel was prescribed Aldara, a topical chemotherapy cream designed to treat the cancerous cells. Although the treatment was non-invasive, it came with its own challenges.
As a new mother, she had to be vigilant during nightly feedings to ensure the medication didn’t come into contact with her baby. After completing the treatment, Rachel shared that the healing process was still ongoing, describing the affected area as "pretty disgusting." However, she has been reassured by others who have undergone similar treatments that the scar will likely fade into something resembling a chickenpox mark over time.
ALSO SEE: New Report Warns Of A Million Deaths Due To Breast Cancer In 2040.
Entertainment
Woman Who Ignored Forehead Pimple Turned Out To Be Skin Cancer; 'I Was Always Sun Smart'
'I had always been sun-smart.'A 32-year-old Australian woman’s life took an unexpected turn after a seemingly harmless pimple on her forehead turned out to be a sign of skin cancer.