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Tanning Addict Diagnosed With Skin Cancer Shares Shocking Selfies Of Hole In Face After Tumor Surgery

By Angelica N. Sumter
Published on: 05:41 PST, May 19, 2015

A tanning addict who was diagnosed with skin cancer shares shocking photos of the scar he’s left with after having tumor surgery. He hopes to warn people of the dangers of tanning, and says that fake tanning is the way to go, Mirror reports.

Phillip Bell, who resides in Las Angeles, California, was a tanning addict until he was recently diagnosed with skin cancer after doctors examined a mole on his chest that became itchy.

When doctors came back with his results, he was shocked to discover that he had skin cancer. He also discovered a lump on his right cheek called basal cell carcinoma that “bled periodically but would close up and never changed shape,” he said.

“That little skin-colored lump that seemed like nothing on the surface will now become a one-inch scar – a permanent reminder in the middle of my face to be safe in the sun.”

“I have abused the sun using tanning beds and not always applying the right amount of SPF so that I’d get that ‘golden glow’ we all crave. That golden glow isn’t looking so desirable now,” he warned others on his Facebook status.

Bell had to undergo surgery to remove the cells on the lump he had developed on his cheek. After surgery, it left him with a half an inch hole in his face. Inspired by Tawny Willoughby who showed the public her scars after surgery, Bell decided to do the same.

“Please take my advice – don’t use sunbeds, don’t burn, use SPF 30 in the sun and if you really want to look tanned, fake it.”

“You’ll remain looking younger and I can honestly say upon reflection, the years of having a ‘healthy’ tan really aren’t worth it to me now looking back.”

Most of his Facebook friends were supportive, including Leah Fern Hostler who wrote the following: “Thanks for the sunvice! As a fair-skinned person who has had some terrible sunburns in the past, I know I need to be careful. Once again, thanks for sharing and wishing you the best!”

Corinne Dowling is a nurse who specializes in dermatology and stated that “Skin cancer is particularly prevalent among young people and is associated with unprotected sun exposure and sunbed use, with more than 10,000 cases in the UK each year.”

“It is essential to wear a minimum of SPF 30 to protect against UVB (the sun exposure that burns the skin).”

Dowling said that if people want to uphold their tan, fake tanning is the “safest way to get color without the risk.”

[Image courtesy of Donald Miralle/Getty Images]

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