Tawny Dzierzek was diagnosed with skin cancer when she was just 21-years-old.
The devastating news came after the tanning addict frequented sunbeds.
In a bid to prevent others from developing the disease, the Kentucky-based nurse often shares pictures and information about her progress.
Four years after she shared a picture of her blistered face, the patient revealed her skin is still on the road to recovery.
In 2015, Tawny took a selfie when she was in the midst of cancer treatment.
She later shared the candid snap on Facebook in a bid to warn others to stay away from sunbeds.
In a post that was shared 134,000 times, the US woman wrote: “If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun here ya go!
“This is what skin cancer treatment can look like.
“Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan.
“Learn from other people’s mistakes.
“Don’t let tanning prevent you from seeing your children grow up.
“That’s my biggest fear now that I have a two year old little boy of my own.”
As Tawny’s post serves as a stark warning, Brits are advised to educate themselves about their health.
The fatal disease is more common than you may think.
NHS statistics reveal that 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year.
Symptoms include lumps or discoloured patches that develop on the skin.
These sores can be red and firm or flat and scaly.
If you notice any changes to your complexion, it’s advisable to seek help from your local GP.
The NHS says there are steps you can take to prevent yourself from the disease.
Its website reads: “Non-melanoma skin cancer isn’t always preventable, but you can reduce your chances of developing it by avoiding overexposure to UV light.
“You can protect yourself from sunburn by using high-factor sunscreen, dressing sensibly in the sun, and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun during the hottest part of the day.
“Sunbeds and sunlamps should also be avoided.
“Regularly checking your skin for signs of skin cancer can help lead to an early diagnosis and increase your chances of successful treatment.”
To hear more about Tawny’s journey, visit her blog.
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