Rachel Archer believed a longstanding pimple on her forehead was related to her acne, only to be told by a doctor two years later it was something much more sinister
A 33-year old woman has admitted she was left gobsmacked after a seemingly harmless pimple on her forehead turned out to be skin cancer. Despite having acne-prone skin, Rachel Archer became worried when the spot started bleeding in January.
Initially, she was told by her doctor that she was “too young” for it to be cancerous and it was likely just a mosquito bite aftermath. However, still anxious, she sought a second opinion a month later, leading to a biopsy. The results revealed she had basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer often caused by sun exposure. She has since shared her story on TikTok as a warning to others.
“Treatments lasted for six weeks,” Rachel explained in a video. “I’m very relieved it’s over, but it’s got to the point where it’s painful and it feels like it’s burning, which I guess is what the treatment does to the cancer and its surrounding area. It’s doing what it’s supposed to, but mentally it is taking its toll having this on my forehead.”
She also expressed her intention behind sharing the video was to give people a “shock value” of how “horrible” she looks. “It should scare people into being careful in the sun,” Rachel continued.
“I don’t think I was in the sun for that long, but I did use tanning beds for some time and I did go out and lay with friends in the sun with drinks and got burned a couple of times, so I think that all contributed.”
She closed by noting the abundance of products now available containing SPF, including foundations and other cosmetic items, and expressed her views on sun safety saying, “I feel like there’s no excuse now for laying out and getting burned, there’s no excuse for being like, ‘Oh I just want a tan’.
“I’m 33, I have skin cancer and it is very real, but I’m lucky I didn’t have the type of skin cancer that would require it being cut out as I was in the early stages still.”
Rachel’s clip saw 1.3 million TikTok users tune in, many of whom were quick to offer their thoughts. “My mum was in the sun a lot tanning – she put on a sports bra and her back was bleeding,” one person shared. “It ended up being melanoma. She passed away from it. More people need to take skin cancer serious! Thanks for posting.”
A second individual exclaimed: “Honestly seeing so many people saying the sun doesn’t cause skin cancer is just crazy and clearly shows our educational systems have failed.”
Whilst a third detailed: “I was 26 with my first basal cell skin cancer. First melanoma soon after. A few after that. I lived in South Africa. I’m 49 now and have been living in Europe mostly since my early 30s. Only one scare since then because there’s MUCH less sun!”.
The NHS’ advice on melanoma skin cancer is as follows: “A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun.
“Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.”
The NHS adds: “Melanomas are often an uneven shape. They may have 2 different shaped halves and uneven edges. Melanomas are often a mix of 2 or more colours.”
See a GP if:
- you have a mole that’s changed size, shape or colour
- you have a mole that’s painful or itchy
- you have a mole that’s inflamed, bleeding or crusty
- you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks
- you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury