An American woman has shared graphic pictures of her after surgery to remove skin cancer spots, in a bid to warn others about the dangers of careless sun exposure and tanning beds.
According to American magazine Self, Judy Cloud was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 1995, and she's had four surgeries to remove spots of skin cancer since.
The 49 year old suffered from basal cell carcinoma, which is one the most common forms of skin cancer.
Posting a poignant letter on Facebook, Judy confessed to her own mistakes in not protecting herself from the dangerous condition, in a bid this will teach others not to do the same.
'This Is Skin Cancer. This is the result of using tanning beds when I was younger', she wrote. 'This is the result of having numerous sunburns as a child and teen, and not being religious about applying sunscreen, and staying out in the sun far too long as a teen and into my 20s and even early 30s.'
As well as not being careful with sun protection, Judy also blamed tanning beds, which she regularly used.
'I hear too many people say that they feel better about how they look after they go to a tanning bed or after they bake in the sun for hours on end. Look at the pictures. This could be you', Judy warned.
Spotting the signs of skin cancer - would you know what to look out for?
This is Judy before surgery
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204679350334273&set=a.10204679349934263.1073741841.1551401203&type=3&theater
And this is Judy after surgery
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204679350254271&set=a.10204679349934263.1073741841.1551401203&type=3&theater
The caption reads: '6 hours post surgery....back home, ready for bed, with lots of painkillers in me.'
The pictures were taken after Judy's lastest surgery, in September, which lasted three hours and was her most invasive so far. Doctors removed 23 spots of skin cancer from face, chest, arms, and legs.
The graphic images were compiled in a public photo album on Facebook so that people could share her warning with friends and family and so far the post has been shared over 100,000 times.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204679351254296&set=pb.1551401203.-2207520000.1457439058.&type=3&theater
Ever since she shared the pictures, Judy says she's been busy replying to people's messages, mainly thanking her for changing their minds when it comes to using tanning beds.
'I see too many young girls and teenagers who are tanned year round, and I know what they're doing to their skin', Judy said. 'I just want people to not think it won't happen to them. If it does not show up right away, it could show up down the road, and it's not going to be pretty and it's not going to be fun. People don't need to die for a tan.'
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