Wolverhampton woman says life was saved by bikini selfies

Cloe Jordan, from Wolverhampton, was diagnosed with a melanoma three months ago after visiting her doctor to ask about getting the mole removed.

The 21-year-old said she was fed up of the mole on her stomach getting in the way of her bikini and underwear snaps.

So she decided to speak to her doctor about the mole, which was in the middle of her stomach, to see if it could be removed.

Despite the mole growing in size and changing colour she had dismissed these worrying signs and after visiting her doctor, she was referred for further tests.

A biopsy revealed Miss Jordan had skin cancer which doctors believe has spread.

The mole has since been removed and while she is awaiting further treatment, Miss Jordan has decided to share her story as a warning to others.

Miss Jordan, who works in telesales, said: "I had no idea my mole has turned cancerous, I'd had it all my life.

"I loved going on holiday and being tanned, and although I didn't regularly go on sunbeds, I did go through a period of going on once or twice per month.

"I'd had the mole on my stomach since I was born and when it started to change shape last summer, I didn't take much notice.

"But I had hated it for some time and every time I wore a bikini or nice underwear and took a selfie, I felt it was getting in the way.

"That's why I decided to go to the doctors and get it removed.

"But after being referred to see if I was eligible to have it taken off by the NHS, I was swarmed by around eight doctors who looked concerned after seeing it.

"It was then that a biopsy was taken and I was diagnosed with skin cancer.

"I felt numb, I never imagined to get something so serious while being young but I'm so thankful it was getting in the way of my bikini selfies now, as it has definitely saved my life."

At first Miss Jordan didn't tell anyone but close family about her skin cancer diagnosis but has decided to talk about her experiences online.

She said: "I decided to post a photo of my scar because it wasn't until after my surgery that it really hit home what I'd been through.

"I knew that if by sharing my experiences and it stopped one person going on sunbeds it would be worthwhile.

"I will never lay in the sun again and would much rather stick to a bottle of fake tan or have a spray tan than damage my skin."

Miss Jordan's surgery to remove the cancerous mole took place on March 24 and she will need to wait for further tests before doctors can organise the next steps in her treatment.

She said: "I'm waiting for an appointment to have a radioactive solution pumped around my body so doctors can find where the cancer has spread to.

"Hopefully once all my treatment has finished later this year I will be cancer free and I'll be able to continue with my life as normal."